Rock Band The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones need little introduction, being one of the most iconic Rock bands of all time with a six-decade long career. The perennial bad boys of rock have scandalized and entertained us with effete Mick Jagger as frontman and human cockroach Keith Richards on guitar.

Formation and Early Years

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards first met Brian Jones, Ian Stewart and Charlie Watts in April 1962, when the latter three were playing with Alexis Korner’s band Blues Incorporated.

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The Rolling Stones classic lineup later eventually settled with Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Brian Jones (guitar), Bill Wyman (bass) joined in 1963, and Charlie Watts (drums). Pianist Ian Stewart was an early member but was later relegated to a road manager role. The band was named after the Muddy Waters song "Rollin' Stone".

Career Highlights and Timeline

The band soon got popular, so much so that that you had to choose…

Who’s the best band? The Stones or The Beatles?

They were part of the Brit Invasion, when UK bands conquered the US market.

1962: First performance at the Marquee Club in London.
1963: Signed with manager Andrew Loog Oldham; released first single, Chuck Berry's "Come On."
1964: US tour and recordings at Chess Studios, gaining initial American success.
1965: Released "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," a worldwide hit that defined their sound.
1969: Brian Jones left the band and later died; replaced by Mick Taylor.
1969: on 6 December, a free rock concert headlined by The Rolling Stones at the Altamont Speedway outside San Francisco devolved into a disaster of violence that instantly took on mythical status. Hells Angels – who were loosely hired to police the event – committed a gruesome murder right in front of the stage, stabbing a drugged-out youth. It was a low point in the band’s career.
1971: Released "Sticky Fingers," featuring the iconic tongue and lips logo designed by Andy Warhol.
1975: Ronnie Wood joined as a permanent member.
1977: Richards had a drug bust in Canada
1986: The band almost breaks up. Relations between Richards and Jagger were at an all-time low, with Jagger refusing to tour to promote the album Dirty Work
1989: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
1994: Released "Voodoo Lounge," winning their first competitive Grammy.
2016: Released "Blue & Lonesome," winning a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album.
2021: Death of Charlie Watts.
2023: the Stones released their first album with new material in 18 years, called Hackney Diamonds to mixed reviews. They now sound like a Rolling Stones tribute band - not even Lady Gaga could save them!

Members

Original: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts.

Current: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Darryl Jones (touring bassist).

Grammy Awards

1994: "Voodoo Lounge" (Best Rock Album).

2016: "Blue & Lonesome" (Best Traditional Blues Album).

Lifetime Achievement: 1986.

Collaborations and Cover Versions

Collaborated with artists like Eric Clapton and Dave Grohl.

Covered by various artists across genres, enhancing their influence.

Quotes

Mick Jagger…

You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find, you get what you need.

Keith Richards…

I've always been a blues man at heart.

Scandals and Gossip

1967: Redlands drug bust involving Jagger, Richards, and Jones.

1970s: Publicized feuds, particularly between Jagger and Richards.

1990s: Bill Wyman’s controversial relationship with Mandy Smith.

The Rolling Stones have endured for over six decades, influencing countless musicians and maintaining a significant presence in the rock music scene. Their legacy is marked by groundbreaking music, memorable performances, and a lifestyle that epitomized rock 'n' roll rebellion.