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The Beatles: Here come the sons?

Rumors swirl that the sons of the Beatles are considering starting a band.

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Chris Pizzello/AP
James McCartney, left, and Jade Nazareth arrive at the MusiCares Person of the Year gala honoring Paul McCartney on Friday, Feb. 10, in Los Angeles.
  • By John Kehe Staff

Be careful what you wish for. Especially when it involves the Beatles.

Reports are circulating that the male spawn of the beloved moptops are considering putting a band together. Hmmm. Following in the hallowed footsteps of the greatest band in the history of mankind? No pressure.

The wisdom of even contemplating such a high-risk project aside, it's not an altogether far-fetched notion. All of the Beatles' boys can play.

Paul and Linda McCartney's son James, age 34; John Lennon and Yoko Ono's son Sean, 36; and George and Olivia Harrison's only child Dhani, 33, all are singer/songwriter/guitarists with recordings and live performances under their belts. To this point, however, despite their famous names, none of the three's recorded output has met with any critical or popular acclaim.

Ringo and Maureen Starr begat two – you guessed it – drummers! Both Zak, 47, and brother Jason, 44, are talented, in-demand professionals. Zak is The Who's drummer when they tour, and has recorded and toured with Oasis as well as his famous dad's All-Starr Band. Jason has played with lesser-known British bands since the 1980s. Apparently neither sings.

Do the "bitty Beatles" talk to one another – are they friends? Not really, though according to James McCartney, the four have broached the idea of a band. "I don't think it's something that Zak wants to do," he told the BBC. "Maybe Jason would want to do it. I'd be up for it. Sean seemed to be into it. Dhani seemed to be into it. I'd be happy to do it."

When cornered on the real chance of a band (and recording) coming of all this, McCartney hedged: "Yeah, hopefully, naturally. I don't know. You'd have to wait and see. The will of God, nature's support, I guess. So yeah, maybe."

Following the widespread speculation and viral hubbub caused by the BBC interview, James McCartney posted a message on his Facebook page to say that he was "just thinking out loud."

Might be wise to just let it be.

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