Sons of Beatles Legends Unite on New Track “Rip Off” in Landmark Collaboration
June 18, 2025 – By Ola Emmanuel, Music Correspondent
In a historic moment that has both Beatles fans and new generation listeners buzzing with excitement, the sons of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr have come together for the first time on an original track titled “Rip Off.” The new single is part of the upcoming release from Mantra of the Cosmos, the psychedelic rock supergroup formed by Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr.
Sean Ono Lennon, James McCartney, and Zak Starkey—three descendants of arguably the most legendary rock band in history—lend their voices and musical talents to the experimental track, which also features Happy Mondays icons Shaun Ryder and Bez, along with Ride and Oasis guitarist Andy Bell. “Rip Off” is a genre-bending anthem that fuses trippy melodies, wistful vocals, and rave-inspired rhythms.
The track was teased by Starkey on Instagram on Sunday, June 16, and within hours, social media erupted with speculation about what many hoped would be a spiritual successor to the Beatles’ legacy. But Starkey quickly clarified the group’s identity. “No, it’s not a Beatles reunion,” he said in an interview with The Telegraph. “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.”
A New Generation Steps Forward
While James McCartney and Sean Ono Lennon have each released solo work in the past, “Rip Off” marks their first collaborative effort. For longtime fans of the Beatles, hearing the voices of Lennon and McCartney’s sons on a track together feels like a cosmic alignment — a nod to the past with eyes firmly on the future.
Sean Ono Lennon, known for his work in both alternative and experimental music, brings a haunting depth to the vocals. James McCartney, with a more melodic touch reminiscent of his father’s ballads, complements Sean’s energy perfectly. Together, they inject a fresh and intimate dynamic into the track that’s both nostalgic and boldly original.
Zak Starkey, one of rock’s most accomplished drummers, has long made his own name through work with The Who, Oasis, and now as the founder of Mantra of the Cosmos. As the architect of this high-concept supergroup, Starkey brings together artists from diverse genres to create something entirely new.
The Track: “Rip Off”
“Rip Off” is not your typical rock single. It’s a swirling, synth-laced soundscape built on hypnotic beats, spacey guitar lines, and reflective lyricism. The vocals are shared between Sean Lennon, James McCartney, and Shaun Ryder, whose distinctive spoken-word style grounds the ethereal tone of the track.
The result is something that feels like a fever dream of Manchester’s 90s rave scene colliding with the musical DNA of the 1960s. There are echoes of the Beatles’ psychedelic years, but they are filtered through decades of evolution and reimagination.
Not a Beatles Reunion — And That’s the Point
Fans were quick to draw connections to the Beatles, especially after the 2023 release of the AI-powered Beatles song “Now and Then,” which was dubbed the band’s final single. That track won a Grammy and reignited interest in how technology and legacy could blend.
But for Starkey, this new track is not about revival — it’s about identity.
When The Telegraph’s James Hall asked if Starkey would be recruiting Dhani Harrison, the son of George Harrison, to complete the Beatles lineage, Starkey laughed and replied, “No, I don’t. Why do I?” A clear message that while the pedigree is undeniable, this project is about something completely different.
Mantra of the Cosmos: A Supergroup With Vision
Mantra of the Cosmos has been described as “intergalactic, psychedelic rave rock” — an unapologetically wild and colorful musical venture. Formed by Starkey in 2023, the group’s lineup reads like a who’s-who of British alternative and psychedelic music. Their goal: to break barriers and create something that defies genre, expectation, and time.
With “Rip Off” now available for streaming, anticipation is building for the group’s full debut album, which is expected later this year. Industry insiders suggest the group is planning festival appearances and a potential tour, though no official dates have been released.
A Moment That Feels Like History
While “Rip Off” may not be the Beatles 2.0, it represents something just as powerful — a continuation of musical exploration across generations. It’s a rare moment where legacy meets innovation, where the children of rock royalty step forward not just to honor their roots, but to carve out a sound that is entirely their own.
As listeners press play on “Rip Off,” they are greeted not just by a track, but by a bridge between worlds. The voices may be familiar, the names certainly are — but the message is new: the next generation has something to say, and they’re saying it loud.
“Rip Off” by Mantra of the Cosmos is available now on major streaming platforms. The band’s full debut album is expected later this summer.
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