Sam Fender Covers The Rolling Stones for John Lewis Christmas Campaign
The artist puts a unique spin on a 1969 classic for the holiday season, earning praise from rock royalty.
Published 4 November 2026
The Holiday Campaign Launch
The annual festive commercial from John Lewis has officially made its debut, pairing a magical storyline with a prominent musical cover. This year's narrative centers on a grandmother named Gloria who struggles to find suitable holiday presents for her grandchildren before discovering fresh inspiration.
Guided by a talking wooden toy named Pickles, Gloria travels to London and builds a special space called a Gran Cave in her home. There, she shares joyful moments and dancing with her grandchildren Maggie and Freddie while music plays in the background.
Reinterpreting a Rock Classic
For the soundtrack of the campaign, the retailer selected the legendary Rolling Stones track You Can't Always Get What You Want. Originally launched in 1969 as part of the studio album Let It Bleed, the song has been given a brand-new arrangement for the commercial.
The vocal duties for this fresh rendition were handled by Sam Fender. The collaboration brings a distinct emotional depth to the holiday spot through a carefully crafted musical backdrop.
Community Involvement and Collaboration
To make the recording distinct, the performer enlisted local talent connected to his own background. He brought in children attending his former school, John Spence Community High School, to form a special choir.
In addition to the youthful voices, the arrangement features a robust brass section provided by the Easington Colliery Band. This collective effort adds layers of warmth and scale to the finished track.
Praise from Mick Jagger
The reworked version of the 1969 tune did not go unnoticed by its original creators. Mick Jagger expressed personal admiration for the project, noting that he appreciates the musician's prior body of work.
The veteran rock star shared positive thoughts on the new interpretation, giving the rendition his official endorsement. The track was originally co-written by Jagger alongside Keith Richards.
Charitable Contributions and Physical Releases
Listeners interested in owning physical copies of the song will have options available through retail and artist channels. The audio will be pressed onto seven-inch vinyl records and compact discs.
Proceeds generated from these physical sales are dedicated to charitable causes. Contributions will support Action for Children and the Teenage Cancer Trust.
A Decorated Musical Career
The artist behind the holiday track has accumulated numerous accolades over the years. His previous achievements include five Brit Awards, two Ivor Novello Awards, and recognition with the Mercury Prize.
His prior output features major chart success, including a prominent collaboration with Olivia Dean that claimed top honors at the Brit Awards and broke records in British music history.
Part of a Festive Tradition
The collaboration places the singer into a long-standing tradition of notable musicians providing the soundtrack for holiday campaigns. Previous years have featured performances by artists such as Elton John, Lily Allen, Andrea Bocelli, and Labrinth.
These seasonal spots have historically become cultural touchstones, frequently driving massive public discussion around their musical choices as much as their visual storytelling.
News Overview
Sam Fender has recorded a cover of The Rolling Stones track You Can't Always Get What You Want for the John Lewis holiday commercial, receiving praise from Mick Jagger. The release involves his former school choir and the Easington Colliery Band, with physical record sales raising funds for charitable organizations.
Key facts
- Sam Fender covered You Can't Always Get What You Want for the John Lewis Christmas advert.
- The song was originally released by The Rolling Stones in 1969 from their album Let It Bleed.
- Mick Jagger praised the new cover version.
- Profits from physical record sales will be donated to Action for Children and the Teenage Cancer Trust.
- Sam Fender involved children from his old school, John Spence Community High School, and the Easington Colliery Band.