I can’t accept that point about stones being greater because they were in the Beatles shadow while u2 were unobstructed either.
For a start - for that argument to hold water, then you have to acknowledge the stones had already long past their own greatness - because if they were great, then surely U2 would have been in their shadow as an active band? That means that they had 40 years of decline which HAS to negatively impact your legacy.
Secondly, U2 unobstructed? Seriously? They had Queen through the early 80s, oasis through the 90s, Coldplay in the 2000s.
All the while there was also REM, Bruce Springsteen, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Bowie etc.
I think Rolling Stones fans really over play their greatness - I’m not saying they weren’t great, and shouldn’t be in a conversation, but to consider them peers or on a level with the Beatles is madness.