The recent collaboration among Zak Starkey, Sean Ono Lennon, and James McCartney, the sons of The Beatles’ Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney, respectively, has sent ripples of excitement through the music world. Their new song, Rip Off, recorded under Zak Starkey’s supergroup Mantra of the Cosmos, marks a historic moment as it’s the first time three Beatles’ offspring have joined forces on an original track. This collaboration, announced in June 2025, builds on the legacy of their fathers’ groundbreaking work while carving out a distinct identity for the next generation. The track, previewed on Starkey’s Instagram, features vocals from Sean Ono Lennon, James McCartney, and Shaun Ryder of Happy Mondays, blending psychedelic rock with a modern edge that Starkey insists is not a nostalgic nod to The Beatles but a unique expression of his band’s vision.Mantra of the Cosmos, formed by Zak Starkey in 2023, is a supergroup that already boasts an impressive lineup, including former Oasis bassist Andy Bell, Happy Mondays’ Shaun Ryder, and Mark “Bez” Berry. The addition of Lennon and McCartney elevates the project to new heights, drawing inevitable comparisons to their fathers’ iconic band. However, Starkey has been quick to dismiss any notion of a “mini-Beatles reunion.” In an interview with The Telegraph, he emphasized, “It’s like Mantra of the Cosmos with them in it. It’s Sean of the Cosmos and James of the Cosmos; it’s still my band.” This sentiment underscores the group’s intent to forge a fresh sound, incorporating influences from Britpop and alternative rock while steering clear of leaning too heavily on The Beatles’ legacy.
The accompanying video for Rip Off features images of The Beatles alongside the band members, visually threading a connection to the past but with scrolling text that reinforces the song’s forward-looking ethos.This isn’t the first time Sean Ono Lennon and James McCartney have collaborated. In April 2024, they released Primrose Hill, a tender acoustic track about love and connection, named after the famous London landmark. That song, written by both artists but sung by McCartney, showcased their ability to blend their musical talents in a way that felt personal yet distinct from their fathers’ songwriting partnership. The addition of Zak Starkey for Rip Off brings a new dynamic, with his drumming prowess—honed through years with bands like The Who and Oasis—anchoring the track’s psychedelic and genre-bending sound. The collaboration has sparked excitement among fans, with James McCartney expressing enthusiasm for the project on social media, writing, “With the release of this song it feels like we’re really getting the ball rolling,” hinting at more collaborations to come.Mantra of the Cosmos has also recently released another high-profile collaboration, Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous), featuring Oasis’ Noel Gallagher. Released on June 11, 2025, the track was initially available as a limited-edition vinyl before hitting streaming platforms.
Gallagher described the song as a cosmic blend of “Dylan, Dali, Ginsberg, and a bit of cosmic jibber-jabber,” reflecting the band’s eclectic and experimental approach. The official video, filmed by Starkey using his four-year-old daughter’s toys and edited by Nick Franco, adds a playful yet avant-garde visual layer to the track. This collaboration with Gallagher, combined with the Beatles’ sons’ involvement in Rip Off, highlights Mantra of the Cosmos’ ability to attract major talents while maintaining a distinct, non-derivative sound.The collaboration among Starkey, Lennon, and McCartney has reignited discussions about a potential Beatles’ offspring supergroup, an idea that James McCartney mentioned as early as 2012 when he told the BBC it had been “mooted” among the sons, including George Harrison’s son, Dhani. While Starkey playfully dismissed the need for Dhani on Rip Off, saying, “No I don’t. Why do I?” he also expressed openness to future collaborations, noting that Sean and Dhani seemed interested, and perhaps even his brother Jason Starkey might join. “Hopefully, naturally,” he told The Telegraph, leaving the door open for a possible future project that could involve all four Beatles’ heirs.
For now, Rip Off stands as a significant milestone, blending the weight of their heritage with a bold, contemporary sound.Beyond the music, this collaboration carries personal significance for the artists involved. Zak Starkey, in particular, has been candid about his journey, both musically and personally. In interviews, he’s discussed his recent exit from The Who, where he was fired twice and later “retired” after a performance dispute, as well as his decision to prioritize Mantra of the Cosmos over a potential role in Oasis’ reunion tour. Starkey also touched on the financial disparities among The Beatles’ children, noting that unlike Lennon and McCartney, who inherited wealth from their parents, his mother, Maureen Starkey, passed away in 1994 with little to her name. Despite these challenges, Starkey’s passion for music and his band’s creative output remain undeterred, with Rip Off and Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous) showcasing his ability to bridge generations and genres while honoring his roots.
