Being the child of a Beatle might open doors in the music world, but it also paints a big target on your back. Every song, every note, every move is scrutinized through the lens of rock royalty—and the term “nepo baby” tends to follow you like a shadow.
But now, some of the Beatles’ sons are stepping out of that shadow in the loudest, boldest way possible.
Zak Starkey—Ringo Starr’s son and longtime drummer for acts like Oasis and The Who—has pulled together a supergroup unlike any other. His band, Mantra of the Cosmos, was born in 2023 and already features a psychedelic dream team: Shaun Ryder and Bez from Happy Mondays, and Andy Bell of Ride, Hurricane #1, and former Oasis/Beady Eye fame.
Earlier this year, they made noise with “Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous),” which featured none other than Noel Gallagher. Now, they’ve upped the ante with their newest release: “Rip-Off.”
The Song That’s Turning Heads
Shared via Instagram, Rip-Off features a powerful lineup: vocals from Shaun Ryder, James McCartney (Paul McCartney’s son), and Sean Ono Lennon (son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono). The track doesn’t try to mimic the Beatles’ magic—but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it leans hard into its own wild, trippy energy, fusing modern psych-rock with a gritty edge that feels fresh, rebellious, and completely unfiltered.
For longtime fans, the track is a major moment—not only does it bring together two sons of the Beatles (James and Sean), but it also fuels long-standing rumors of a Lennon-McCartney musical reunion in the next generation. And though Julian Lennon hasn’t joined the mix just yet, anticipation is building.
Adding to the mystique, the visuals for Rip-Off include vintage Beatles footage—subtle enough not to lean on nostalgia, but potent enough to show that Zak isn’t running from his roots. He’s using them.
Zak’s Rock ’n’ Roll Rollercoaster
While Zak Starkey is busy blazing trails with Mantra of the Cosmos, he’s also been making headlines of his own. His rocky relationship with The Who recently flared up again—after being dismissed, rehired, and then let go (again), tensions between Zak and the legendary band seem far from settled.
Still, the door may not be fully closed. In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Zak revealed that Roger Daltrey told him:
“Don’t take your drums out of the warehouse—we might be calling you.”
But with Mantra of the Cosmos building serious momentum, it’s clear Zak doesn’t need to wait on anyone’s call. He—and this next-gen musical dream team—are charting their own course.
The Verdict? This Isn’t Nostalgia—It’s Evolution
With Rip-Off, the sons of the Beatles aren’t just honoring a legacy—they’re pushing it forward. This track is gritty, chaotic, and excitingly unpredictable. It’s not trying to recapture the past; it’s rewriting the rules for the future.
And whether you’re a lifelong Beatles fan or a new listener looking for something fresh and fearless, one thing’s clear:
The next generation has officially arrived—and they’ve got something to say.
