Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr recently revealed an intriguing story behind their first official duet. This collaboration, titled “Home to Us,” is a key track on McCartney’s upcoming album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, set to release on May 29, 2024. Produced by Andrew Watt, known for his work with Pearl Jam and The Rolling Stones, this song marks a significant musical milestone for the former Beatles members.
Origins of the Collaboration
The journey of “Home to Us” began two years ago during a jam session between Ringo Starr and Andrew Watt. Starr discussed how he visited Watt’s studio and they spontaneously created music together. “I went down, and there was a kit in his studio,” Starr recalled. He thought this jam would fit well on his album, Long Long Road, and requested Watt to send the recording, but he never received it.
McCartney’s Involvement
At a listening event for The Boys of Dungeon Lane, McCartney shared how he stumbled upon the jam. He began to develop it into a full song. When Watt reached out to Starr for additional drums, McCartney humorously noted that Starr was initially “a bit pissed.”
McCartney’s lyrics reflect their roots in Liverpool, where the Beatles first united. He reminisced, “Even though where we lived was a little rough, it was home to us.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of their collaboration.
Miscommunication and Resolution
A miscommunication arose during the recording process when McCartney sent the demo to Starr. Instead of adding vocals for the entire song, Starr recorded only the chorus, leading McCartney to mistakenly think that Starr wasn’t fond of the track. After a discussion, the two former Beatles cleared up the confusion and Starr returned to the studio, contributing more drums and realizing a full collaboration.
The Final Product
The completed track boasts a sound reminiscent of classic Beatles music, featuring tempo changes, key shifts, and layered harmonies. Joined by notable voices such as Chrissie Hynde and Sharleen Spiteri of Texas, “Home to Us” promises to be a remarkable addition to their legacies.
Current Projects
In addition to this collaboration, McCartney has been active with other projects. He is celebrating the release of a documentary titled McCartney: The Hunt for the Lost Bass, which focuses on the recovery of his treasured Höfner 500/1 violin bass. This famed instrument disappeared in 1972 and was found in 2024 following a global search.
This duet exemplifies the timeless bond of McCartney and Starr, showcasing their continued musical synergy decades after their initial collaborations as part of The Beatles.
