Sam Fender's Rolling Stones Cover Featured in John Lewis Christmas Ad

British singer-songwriter Sam Fender has lent his distinctive voice to a cover of The Rolling Stones' iconic song 'You Can't Always Get What You Want', which will feature prominently in the upcoming John Lewis Christmas advertisement ¹²³. This musical tribute, set to grace television screens across the United Kingdom, marks a significant moment in the annual tradition of holiday-themed commercials that captivate audiences with their heartwarming narratives and memorable tunes.

Fender's rendition of the beloved Stones track is not just a simple cover; it's a rich tapestry woven with local charm and community spirit. The singer incorporated a children's choir from his alma mater and a brass section from the Easington Colliery Band into the recording, adding layers of warmth and familiarity to the piece ¹²³. This choice not only showcases Fender's deep connection to his roots but also highlights the enduring power of music to bring people together.

Adding to the excitement, Mick Jagger himself expressed his approval of Fender's interpretation, lending his seal of approval to the project ¹²³. This endorsement from one of rock's most legendary figures underscores the significance of Fender's contribution to the John Lewis campaign and adds a star-studded element to the already charming story.

The 2026 John Lewis Christmas ad reportedly features Dame Kristin Scott Thomas as a grandmother on a quest to find the perfect gifts for her grandchildren, creating a heartwarming backdrop for Fender's musical offering ². While the full narrative of the commercial remains to be seen, the inclusion of Fender's cover promises to be a standout moment in the seasonal storytelling.

Interestingly, Fender's version of 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' is said to be roughly half the length of the original, making it a more concise yet no less impactful tribute to the classic song ¹. This decision likely reflects both artistic intent and practical considerations for the advertisement, ensuring that the cover fits seamlessly within the visual narrative of the commercial.

The production of the cover took place in Tyneside, England, with Fender working alongside his bandmates to craft the perfect sound ¹. This local production adds another layer of authenticity to the track, tying it closely to the singer's home region and the broader cultural landscape of the North East of England.

Music lovers can look forward to purchasing the cover on 7" and CD formats, with all proceeds from sales via Sam Fender's online store benefiting the Teenage Cancer Trust ². Additionally, John Lewis profits from each record sold at their stores will be donated to Action for Children, further enhancing the charitable impact of this musical collaboration ².

In a delightful twist, the cover also includes a version of Fender's 2020 cover of Lindisfarne's 'Winter Song', adding a touch of personal flair to the collection ². This inclusion not only showcases Fender's versatility as an artist but also creates a thematic link between the two songs, both of which resonate with the spirit of the season.

Looking ahead, Fender is gearing up for a major tour across the UK and Ireland, with the 'Proper Massive' stadium tour scheduled to kick off in the following year ². This exciting announcement comes on the heels of his involvement in the John Lewis campaign, promising fans a year filled with live performances and new musical releases.

What We Know

• Sam Fender recorded a cover of 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' by The Rolling Stones ¹²³
• The cover was recorded for a U.K. retailer's Christmas advertisement ¹²³
• Fender included a children's choir from his old school and a brass section from the Easington Colliery Band in the recording ¹²³
• Mick Jagger expressed support for Fender's cover of the song ¹²³
• The cover version is approximately half the length of the original song ¹
• Fender produced and recorded the song with bandmates in Tyneside, England ¹
• The cover is available for purchase on 7" and CD, with all net profits from sales via Sam Fender's online store going to Teenage Cancer Trust ²
• John Lewis profits from each record sold at their stores will be donated to Action for Children ²
• The cover includes a version of Fender's 2020 cover of Lindisfarne's 'Winter Song' ²
• Fender is preparing for his UK and Ireland 'Proper Massive' stadium tour starting the following year ²