Dubbed the World’s Greatest Rock N Roll Band for decades, the Rolling Stones are a true wonder. They will embark on a 15 city North American stadium tour this summer. Get Rolling Stones tickets here.
Formed over 50 years ago, they broke the mold when it came to raw energy in the rock n roll world. They hold the record for longevity. They have released 29 studio albums with album sales estimated at over 250 million. Rolling Stone named them 4th on their list of “100 Greatest Artists of All Time.”
The 1950’s was filled with solo performers backed by a band – following show business standards. When the Stones appeared in the 60’s Mick Jagger didn’t stop moving, the sound was explosive along with the changing times.
Keith Richards and Mick Jagger were boyhood friends – Mick heavily into blues and Keith into the guitar sounds of Chuck Barry. They met Brian Jones circulating around London clubs. He was an amazing slide electric guitar player. They were eventually joined by Charlie Watts on drums and Bill Wyman on bass.
In the mid 1960’s the major influences on pop music were the Stones, Beatles and Bob Dylan. In the beginning, they influenced each other. However by the end of the decade when the Beatles chapter was written into history, the Stones stepped into high gear with their hard driving rock n roll. Brian Jones’ untimely death in July 1969 saw Mick Taylor step in on guitar.
In the 1970’s Rolling Stones Records was formed. The first release on the label was Sticky Fingers and the sexy, raunchy single “Brown Sugar.” Andy Warhol designed the album cover with the real zipper. British designer John Pasche is responsible for the red tongue logo still a Rolling Stones trademark to this day.
The 1980’s saw such hit albums as Emotional Rescue and Tattoo You. In the 1990’s they released Voodoo Loungeand Bridges to Babylon.
Being around 70 years old doesn’t stop this band. They are still tenacious risk takers when it comes to music. However, there are some limitations these days. The tours are shorter – gone are the days of 50 shows. Mick Jagger is reported to have a personal trainer for a year before embarking on a tour.
There has always been a certain level of discord and intrigue around the Stones. It started in the early days when Brian Jones attempted to be the dominant force but was overrun by Jagger and Richards creative visions. They too had their differences over the years and Keith’s substance abuse issues threatened their demise. They can go months and not speak to each other. Keith Richards reportedly hasn’t been in Mick’s dressing room on tour for years. However, in the end they kept on rolling.
The Stones celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2012. They released another Greatest Hits Album GRRR!. No one has taken away their title of the World’s Greatest Rock N Roll Band and it’s unlikely anyone will.