Paul McCartney Favorably Compares Taylor Swift to the Beatles: 'You Do See the Parallel'

Few musicians have ever achieved the fame and instantaneous recognition that came with the Beatles back in the 1960s.

With their popularity equal to that of a young Elvis Presley in the 1950s, the Fab Four became some of the most iconic faces in rock and roll history up that point in time, paving the way to millions of diehard fans following the group's work.

While few artists have secured as dedicated a fandom as the Beatles, Paul McCartney certainly sees shades of the band with Taylor Swift's continuously growing popularity, something he discussed at some length in a recent interview with BBC Sounds.

Asked whether he would give Swift any advice when it comes to her own momentous musical achievements, the 83-year-old said that he can certainly see similarities between Swift's popularity and that of the Beatles in the 1960s, especially when it comes to the thousands of adoring fans who attend the former's concerts.

"You do see the parallel, you know the fame and the amount of fame," said McCartney. "The worldwide fame that Taylor Swift has and that we had, but I don't think she needs any advice to tell you the truth."

Given the fact that Swift seems to be walking a similar path to the Beatles in her own career trajectory, McCartney said that he likes to think of himself as a precursor of sorts to the "Shake It Off" artist.

"If she asked for [advice], I definitely would," the Wings founder said. "I'm like the older brother to that generation, or more like the grandad, actually."

McCartney shared a similar outlook when it came to other artists who are likewise experiencing new exposure in the music industry, including Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo, all of whom McCartney called "really cool people."

"I like their voices," the "Yesterday" singer said. "If they need any advice, yeah, I would be happy to give it, but I don't think they do."

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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 10:03 AM.