Throughout the 1960s and, to a lesser extent, the 1970s, there was something of a rivalry on the charts between two of the biggest bands in the world. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were both producing massive hits and bestselling albums, pushing rock and pop to new places. Now, decades after that special time in music, the groups are competing again on the Billboard charts.
On this week’s edition of the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones have hits on the tally. In fact, not only are the two bands present on the radio list, but they both claim space inside the top 10, with their new songs very close to one another.
The Beatles debut their last single “Now and Then” at No. 9 on the latest version of the Adult Alternative Airplay chart. The cut debuts inside the highest tier, showing just how eager radio DJs and programmers were to include the latest release from the band in their rotation.
Just a few spaces above The Beatles are The Rolling Stones. The group recently returned with their first album of original material in 18 years, Hackney Diamonds. That set’s lead single “Angry” lifts to a new high on the Alternative Airplay chart, reaching No. 6 this frame.
“Now and Then” marks The Beatles’s first top 10 hit on the Alternative Airplay chart. They previously topped out at No. 11 with “Free as a Bird” back in the ‘90s. Meanwhile, for The Rolling Stones, “Angry” is just another win. The group has now collected eight top 10s on the tally, peaking at No. 2 with “Anybody Seen My Baby?”
While The Rolling Stones may be winning on the Alternative Airplay chart, The Beatles may claim the biggest hit when speaking more generally. “Now and Then” debuts at No. 7 on the Hot 100 this week, making it one of the top 10 most-consumed tracks in the nation. “Angry” didn’t reach that ranking, but it has become a proper win on a handful of rock-leaning charts.
