Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney are both living legends in the music industry. In their 80s now, both singers continue to tour and perform their music. Once, however, Dylan explained the heartfelt reason he wanted McCartney to retire all together.
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American Songwriter brought up the time Bob Dylan once explained why he wished Paul McCartney would just "quit" already. This was said in a 2007 interview, so I'm sure this is an old opinion, although I reckon it hasn't changed much.
They may no longer really be in competition with each other anymore, having both achieved their statuses. But 18 years ago, they were still making music, so the scene was a little different.
At the time, Bob Dylan gave McCartney huge praise. Dylan said that he wanted McCartney to quit as he was too good at what he did.
Bob Dylan Explains Why He Wish Paul McCartney Would Retire
Dylan spoke to Rolling Stone where he expressed his feelings toward McCartney. He said (a few times) that he's "in awe" of McCartney. "He's about the only one that I am in awe of. But I'm in awe of him," he said, which is massive praise coming from Dylan.
"He's got the gift for melody, he's got the rhythm. He can play any instrument. He can scream and shout as good as anybody and he can sing the ballad as good as anybody," he said. "And his melodies are, you know, effortless. That's what you have to be in awe. I'm in awe of him maybe just because he's just so damn effortless."
"I mean I just wish he'd quit, you know? Just everything and anything that comes out of his mouth is just framed in a melody."
Again, this was said 18 years ago. Both are legends, so they aren't really in competition anymore. Funnily enough, neither of them have yet retired, and Paul McCartney has plans to tour in 2026. As Bob Dylan is still on his Never Ending Tour, I suppose the only competition they're in now is to see who retires first.
