Rolling Stones

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Biography

The Rolling Stones (formed 1962) The Rolling Stones are an English rock band famous for songs such as '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction', 'Paint It Black' and 'Angie'. They are made up of Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts.

Formation: The Rolling Stones formed when old friends Keith Richards and Mick Jagger decided to get together musically, before later meeting Brian Jones playing guitar with Blues Incorporated. The full line-up in 1962 became Jagger, Jones, Richards, pianist Ian Stewart, guitarist Mick Taylor and drummer Tony Chapman. Keith Richards has said that Jones came up with the band name when Jazz News called them up and asked, whereby he spotted a Muddy Waters album nearby with the track 'Rollin' Stone'.

Musical career: The band, as Jagger, Richards, Jones, Stewart and bassist Dick Taylor, played their first gig at the Marquee Club in London in 1962 performing songs from artists such as Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. Bassist Bill Wyman later joined, along with drummer Charlie Watts in 1963 making the line-up: Brian Jones on guita, Ian Stewart on piano, Mick Jagger on vocals, Keith Richards on guitar and vocals, Bill Wyman on bass and Charlie Watts on drums.

Their first official manager was Andrew Loog Oldham who re-dubbed them as the Rolling Stones and dropped Stewart from the line-up. He often promoted the band as a 'nasty version of The Beatles'. The signed with Decca Records who allowed them to use other recording studios and thus they recorded their first album at Regent Sound Studios.

Their first single in 1963 was a cover of Chuck Berry's 'Come On' which they never played live despite it reaching number 21 on the UK singles charts. Their first UK concert tour was supporting Bo Diddley, Little Richard and The Everly Brothers. At the same time, they released second single Lennon and McCartney's 'I Wanna Be Your Man' which reached number 12 and third single Buddy Holly's 'Not Fade Away' reached number 3. Their first number 1 hit in the UK was a cover of Bobby and Shirley Womack's 'It's All Over Now'.

In 1965, they released second album 'The Rolling Stones No. 2' which reached number 1 in the UK and number 5 in the US. Their first original composition to reach number 1 was 'The Last Time' in the same year. Their first international number 1 hit was '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' which spent four weeks at the top of the charts in the US. Their album 'Aftermath' reached number 1 in the UK and number 2 in the US and was the first to be entirely original songs.

In 1967, they were alleged as drug users in the News of the World when they accused Mick Jagger of taking Benzedrine tablets and possessing hashish. It was in fact Brian Jones. Keith Richards' home was later raided by the police after a tip off but no arrests were made until later when he and Jagger were charged with drug offences. Jones house was also later raided and he was charged with cannabis possession. Jagger was sentenced to 3 months in prison for possession of amphetamine but it was reduced to a conditional discharge while Richards' 1 year sentence for allowing cannabis to be smoked on his property was overturned.

Jones was fined £1000 and put on 3years' probation. The thank fans for their support, the band released the single 'We Love You' while awaiting their trials. Manager Andrew left while they recorded album 'Their Satanic Majesties Request' in 1967. In 1968, they recorded the event 'The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus' featuring John Lennon, Yoko Ono, The Who, Jethro Tull and Marianne Faithfull but the footage wasn't released until 1996.

In 1969, after the release of album 'Beggars Banquet', Brian Jones mental state and drug use got out of control and he wasn't able to tour with the band after being refused a US visa. He left the band and later drowned in his own swimming pool. The Rolling Stones proceeded to play a free concert in tribute to Jones in Hyde Park, London with an audience of 250,000. The band performed at the Altamont Free Concert in a concert that would be the subject of a huge disaster. The biker gang Hells Angels were asked to provide security but they stabbed and killed fan Meredith Hunter after seeing he had a knife.

In 1970, they formed record company, Rolling Stones Records and their first album on it was UK and US number one 'Sticky Fingers'. Later, they left England for the South of France. Whilst away recording, Richards was called back to France with a warrant for his arrest. They were subsequently banned from performing in various countries. Frustrated with all the complications, Taylor quit the band in 1974 to be replaced by Ronnie Wood who was a salaried employee until Wyman left. Richards was charged again later for importing drugs into Canada and was given a suspended sentence. The band signed a $28 million deal with CBS Records in the midst of their 20th anniversary in 1982.

Jagger and Richards began to drift apart and as a result Jagger signed a solo record deal. In 1985, he recorded alongside David Bowie the number 1 single 'Dancing in the Street' for Live Aid. Later that year, Stewart died of a heart attack and they were given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award after playing a tribute concert in 1986. In 1989, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Jagger and Richards reconciled.

In 1994 the band released their 20th studio album in Britain and their 22nd In the US entitled Voodoo Lounge. This album is the first one without their long term bassist Bill Wyman as he left the band in 1991. The album debuted at number one in the UK albums chart and won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. In 2009 the album was remastered and re-distributed by Universal Music.

On 24th September 1997 the band released their Bridges to Babylon album which comes as there 21st British studio album. This was the final album for the band in the 90's and sold 1.1 million copies in the US. The Stones then embarked on their Bridges to Babylon Tour in the same year with an immense 108 shows.

In 2005 the Stones released their 22nd studio album on Virgin Records entitled A Bigger Bang. This gap of eight years is the longest the band have gone between recording studio albums. The album made it to number two in the UK album chart and number three on the US Billboard 200.

Their 50th anniversary took place in 2012 and they played five concerts across the world.



Biography by Contactmusic.com

Brown Sugar Isn’t The Only Problematic Song In Rolling Stones History


Rolling Stones

News broke this week that The Rolling Stones would (finally) be dropping their hit song Brown Sugar from their US tour setlist - at least for now. The act comes in the name of racial sensitivity due to concerns over some of the lyrical content.

The Rolling Stones at the opening of Exhibitionism, 2016 / Photo credit: Anthony Behar/SIPA USA/PA ImagesThe Rolling Stones at the opening of Exhibitionism, 2016 / Photo credit: Anthony Behar/SIPA USA/PA Images

The song explores the parallels of interracial sex as a taboo pleasure and the rape that took place in historical cases of slavery.

Continue reading: Brown Sugar Isn’t The Only Problematic Song In Rolling Stones History

Album Of The Week: The 50th Anniversary Of Sticky Fingers By The Rolling Stones


Rolling Stones

Way, way back when Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were in the prime of their life, at the ripe old age of 27, the pair of them, together with fellow band mates Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts and Mick Taylor, released The Rolling Stones ninth (UK) album, Sticky Fingers. In 1971 The Stones set about a new chapter in their life by reverting to type and doing what they were best at; Bluesy Rock with a little twist of chic sleaze. Mick and the band, now without their founding member Brian Jones, who tragically drowned in his own swimming pool shortly after being sacked from the band, had a certain freedom that they had not been afforded before. As the 70's began The Rolling Stones were able to release music on their own label, they were free from the ties of record label Decca as well as former (Thorn in their side) manager Allen Klein, and they were, at least according to their own hype, "The greatest Rock 'n' Roll band in the World." 

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As the stars aligned once more for The Rolling Stones they delivered one of the best (If not the best) albums in their illustrious careers. Sticky Fingers was, and is, a ten track album that highlights just how good The Stones are at their raw and riveting best. The dark and brooding fabric of the album is part of it's cohesive beauty. Sticky Fingers not only contains some of The Rolling Stones best material it's also is a testament to the album format in it's entirety. The sequencing is faultless, who wouldn't be immediately engaged by the killer riffs and immaculate percussive passages of Brown Sugar, and who couldn't be left asking for more after hearing the remarkable, reflective and almost religious close out track, Moonlight Mile.

Continue reading: Album Of The Week: The 50th Anniversary Of Sticky Fingers By The Rolling Stones

Friday The 13th Special: The Five Creepiest Stories Of The Music World


Ozzy Osbourne Mayhem Nine Inch Nails Rolling Stones Amy Winehouse

Happy Friday the 13th to those who love all things strange and sensationalist! Today we thought we'd feed that morbid streak by exploring some of the craziest things that have happened in the music industry over the years. Be warned: It's not for the faint-hearted...

1. Ozzy Osbourne's batty stage antics

Probably one of the craziest true stories in rock, Ozzy Osbourne made headlines in 1982 after biting the head off a bat while on stage at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa during his Diary of a Madman Tour. Somebody had thrown the bat on stage during his performance and he, believing it to be made of rubber, seized the opportunity for a bit of theatrical fun. 

Continue reading: Friday The 13th Special: The Five Creepiest Stories Of The Music World

Six Reasons Why We'll Never Stop Loving The Rolling Stones


Rolling Stones

Despite having to postpone the continuing dates of their No Filter Tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Rolling Stones have made sure they are still very much visible this year. Between the release of their quarantine-inspired single Living in a Ghost Town (their first new song since 2012) and the epic re-release of their 1973 album Goats Head Soup this September, we've hardly been able to escape them! But why is it that this iconic rock 'n' roll band are still so important to us?

The Rolling Stones at the 'Crossfire Hurricane' Premiere in London, 2015 / Photo Credit: Marechal Aurore/ABACA/PA ImagesThe Rolling Stones at the 'Crossfire Hurricane' Premiere in London, 2015 / Photo Credit: Marechal Aurore/ABACA/PA Images

1. They're basically immortal

Continue reading: Six Reasons Why We'll Never Stop Loving The Rolling Stones

Happy St. Patrick's Day: Inspiring Covers Of Irish Folk Songs [Playlist]


Dropkick Murphys Thin Lizzy Johnny Cash Sinead Oconnor Rolling Stones

You might not be going to the pub for a Guinness this year (thanks, Coronavirus!) but that doesn't mean you can't get into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day from the comfort of your own home by getting a keg in, wearing a silly hat and, of course, playing a few classic Irish tunes.

Photo Credit: Matheus Ferrero/UnsplashPhoto Credit: Matheus Ferrero/Unsplash

1. Whiskey In The Jar - Thin Lizzy

Continue reading: Happy St. Patrick's Day: Inspiring Covers Of Irish Folk Songs [Playlist]

Weekly Music Highlights: The Oscars Performances, Nicki Minaj's New Song And Rolling Stones Tour Dates


Eminem Billie Eilish Academy Of Motion Pictures And Sciences Liam Gallagher Nicki Minaj White Stripes Green Day Rolling Stones Smashing Pumpkins

It was an impressive night at the Academy Awards for both movies and music, though it's been a less than easy week for Liam Gallagher. Some brilliant videos have caught our eye and exciting tour updates from the Rolling Stones and Guns N' Roses are revealed...

Music News

The 92nd Academy Awards arrived last night (February 9th) featuring some rather outstanding live performances. Not only did we see Idina Menzel and Aurora performing Into the Unknown from Frozen 2, but Eminem also made a surprise appearance with a version of his 2002 hit Lose Yourself. Meanwhile Billie Eilish stunned audiences with a moving cover of The Beatles' Yesterday for the In Memoriam section of the night.

Continue reading: Weekly Music Highlights: The Oscars Performances, Nicki Minaj's New Song And Rolling Stones Tour Dates

Keith Richards Reveals He's Giving Up Drinking


Keith Richards Rolling Stones

As essentially the human embodiment of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle for over half a century, it’s long been assumed that Keith Richards would simply live forever, capable of surviving a nuclear apocalypse along with cockroaches and Iggy Pop.

But it turns out that even icons for debauchery have to make personal health calls every now and again, as the guitarist announced this week that he has given up drinking.

In a new interview ahead of the North American leg of the Stones’ ‘No Filter’ tour, which kicks off in Miami in April next year, Richards admitted “it was time to quit” drinking and that he has drastically cut back on his intake in recent months.

Continue reading: Keith Richards Reveals He's Giving Up Drinking

The Rolling Stones Invite Florence + The Machine And James Bay On Tour


Rolling Stones Florence and the Machine James Bay

With the forthcoming second leg of the Rolling Stones 'No Filter Tour' imminent, the band have announced a string of all-star supporting acts to join them on their UK dates. Among them are Florence + The Machine and James Bay. The band will finally complete their expansive tour this summer.

Rolling Stones at the opening night of ExhibitionismRolling Stones at the opening night of Exhibitionism

It's been six months since the Stones completed the first set of European sets on their No Filter tour - which began in Germany in September 2017 - and now they are preparing to hit the road again this Spring. They'll be kicking off at Dublin's Croke Park on May 17th, before a double-billing at London Stadium on May 22th and 25th.

Continue reading: The Rolling Stones Invite Florence + The Machine And James Bay On Tour

Charlie Watts "Wouldn't Be Bothered" If The Rolling Stones Were To Split Tomorrow


Charlie Watts Rolling Stones

He and his colleagues have just announced details of a new British and European tour set for this summer, but Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has admitted that it “wouldn’t bother” him if the band finished tomorrow.

The 76 year old sticksman, a founder member of the Stones and an ever-present in the band over more than half a century, spoke with The Guardian in a wide-ranging interview on Tuesday (February 27th).

“I love playing the drums and I love playing with Mick and Keith and Ronnie, I don't know about the rest of it. It wouldn't bother me if the Rolling Stones said that's it – enough,” Watts told the interviewer. “I don't know what I would do if I stopped. Keith is a great one for saying once you're going, keep going. The big worry for me is being well enough. We don't work like we used to fortunately. There are huge gaps between each show.”

Continue reading: Charlie Watts "Wouldn't Be Bothered" If The Rolling Stones Were To Split Tomorrow

The Rolling Stones Announce First Homecoming Shows In Five Years


Rolling Stones

With 55 years of touring behind them, it seems there is no stopping veteran rockers The Rolling Stones as they prepare to embark on the UK leg of their No Filter Tour; their first set of UK dates since their 50th anniversary concerts five years ago.

The Rolling Stones performing liveThe Rolling Stones performing live

This Spring, the rock royalty (who are Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts) will be embarking on their first set of UK dates since their 50 & Counting Tour in 2013, which saw them perform just five dates including Glastonbury Festival.

Continue reading: The Rolling Stones Announce First Homecoming Shows In Five Years

The Rolling Stones continue their spate of US tour dates with a stop at the Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena - Nevada, United States - Saturday 22nd October 2016

The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones

Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones performing on the first day of the second weekend of Desert Trip Festival - Indio, CA - Los Angeles, California, United States - Friday 14th October 2016

Keith Richards and The Rolling Stones
Keith Richards and The Rolling Stones

Keith Richards and the other members of The Rolling Stones seen performing at Desert Trip festival at Coachella Valley - Los Angeles, California, United States - Friday 7th October 2016

Keith Richards and The Rolling Stones
Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and The Rolling Stones
Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts
Ronnie Wood, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards
Keith Richards
Ronnie Wood, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards

Jackie St Clair - Jackie St Clair poses for pictures wearing a Rolling Stones jacket whilst on her way to attend the opening night gala of The Rolling Stones 'Exhibitionism' at London - London, United Kingdom - Monday 4th April 2016

Rolling Stones and Jackie St Clair

Rolling Stones - Rolling Stones Exhibitionism arrivals at The Saatchi Gallery in London - London, United Kingdom - Monday 4th April 2016

Rolling Stones
Rolling Stones

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