Sir Paul McCartney, at 84, has received his first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for his album "The Boys of Dungeon Lane," placing him among the 12 artists contending for this year's Album of the Year award. This nomination marks a significant achievement in McCartney's six-decade career.

The album, which became McCartney's 24th No. 1 album, will compete against a diverse field of nominees including Raye, Dave, Florence + the Machine, and Suede. Notably, McCartney's nomination comes as his contemporary, Sir Mick Jagger, has never received a Mercury Prize nomination. Jagger and McCartney have shared a long-standing, albeit friendly, rivalry since the 1960s.

Jagger previously commented on their bands' differing career paths, noting The Rolling Stones' extensive stadium touring history compared to The Beatles' earlier breakup. However, McCartney can now claim a Mercury Prize nomination while The Rolling Stones' latest album, "Foreign Tongues," did not make the shortlist. Ironically, McCartney contributed bass guitar to the song "Covered In You" on "Foreign Tongues."

McCartney expressed excitement about his collaboration with The Rolling Stones, describing it as thrilling to work with the band. He noted the irony that while "Foreign Tongues" reached No. 15 on the charts, his own album, "The Boys of Dungeon Lane," has earned him a Mercury Prize nomination. McCartney has achieved numerous No. 1 albums throughout his career, with 24 credited to his name across solo work, The Beatles, Wings, and his late wife Linda.

"The Boys of Dungeon Lane," released on May 29, draws inspiration from McCartney's childhood memories in post-war Liverpool, specifically referencing a road near where he and George Harrison grew up. The album's release led to the temporary theft of road signs for Dungeon Lane, which were later replaced by the Liverpool City Council.

The Mercury Prize, which celebrates artistic achievement in contemporary music and champions the album format, will hold its 2026 ceremony on Thursday, October 22, in Newcastle. The 12 Albums of the Year are selected by an independent judging panel of music industry professionals.

The list of nominated albums includes:

  • Dave: The Boy Who Played the Harp
  • Dove Ellis: Blizzard
  • Florence + the Machine: Everybody Scream
  • Jade: That’s Showbiz Baby
  • Knats: A Great Day in Newcastle
  • Kojey Radical: Don’t Look Down
  • Nia Archives: Emotional Junglist
  • Olivia Dean: The Art of Loving
  • Paul McCartney: The Boys of Dungeon Lane
  • Raye: This Music May Contain Hope
  • Suede: Antidepressants
  • War Child Records: Help(2)