In a moment that has thrilled fans of music history and rock legacy alike, Zak Starkey, Sean Ono Lennon and James McCartney — the sons of the Beatles band members Ringo Starr, John Lennon and Paul McCartney — have come together on a new song, “Rip Off.” The track was released by Zak’s supergroup, Mantra of the Cosmos. It marks the first time three sons of The Beatles have collaborated on a track.
The song was released in June through Mantra of the Cosmos, a band helmed by Zak Starkey that also features Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder, legendary percussionist Mark “Bez” Berry, and Andy Bell of Oasis and Ride. “Rip Off” leans into a bold, genre-blending rock sound, distinct from the psychedelic pop that made their fathers global icons.
Zak shared the collaboration on his Instagram page, to mixed responses from fans.
While some fans have eagerly dubbed the moment a second-generation Beatles reunion, Zak has been quick to shut that down. “It’s like Mantra of the Cosmos with them in it,” he told The Telegraph. “It’s not a Beatles thing — it’s still my band.”
That said, the buzz is understandable: this is the first time the offspring of three Beatles have worked together on a single recording, bringing their musical legacies into a shared creative space.
James McCartney and Sean Ono Lennon previously released a gentle, nostalgic track titled “Primrose Hill” in April 2024, which many saw as a meaningful nod to their heritage and the start of something bigger. Their new collaboration with Zak Starkey expands on that, showcasing not only their shared heritage but also a growing confidence in stepping into the spotlight as artists in their own right.
Mantra of the Cosmos is reportedly gearing up to release a full album, with “Rip Off” acting as a first taste. Though comparisons to The Beatles are inevitable, the group’s sound — heavier, trippier, and more aggressive — points in an entirely different direction. This is not a tribute act. However, with a song title like “Rip Off”, it’s a clear nod to the musicians’ fathers!
