Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger came close to forming a supergroup combining The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, according to a new book by music journalist Bob Spitz. The plans, which included a joint headquarters and record label, were blocked by John Lennon and George Harrison.
Spitz's book, The World’s Greatest Rock n Roll Band, reveals that McCartney and Jagger, described as the 'business minds' of their respective bands, sought to dominate the British music industry. They considered setting up a base at a disused brewery in Camden, north London, complete with a heliport. However, the venture fell through due to lack of support from other band members.
McCartney and Jagger's partnership never materialised, but The Rolling Stones went on to sell over 250 million albums worldwide and gross $2.9 billion from touring. Despite their success, tensions between Jagger and Keith Richards nearly ended the band in the mid-1990s, though they eventually reconciled.
Richards' drug use was a major issue, culminating in a 1976 car crash on the M1 motorway. He fell asleep at the wheel of his Bentley, sending it careening off the road. He was later arrested after police found a coke spoon and LSD in his possession, resulting in a £750 fine.
