A new biography by author Bob Spitz offers a comprehensive, unsparing look at the Rolling Stones, the biggest rock band of all time. Titled 'The Rolling Stones', the book traces their extraordinary journey from blues-obsessed kids to global superstars, drawing on Spitz's knowledge, archive interviews, and new commentary from colleagues and friends.
The Birth of the Rolling Stones
In June 1962, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, and Dick Taylor needed a name for an ad in Jazz News. Sitting in Jones's grubby flat on Powis Square, Jones spotted a Muddy Waters Chess album on the floor. He picked it up and saw the first song on the back cover: 'Rollin' Stone Blues'. 'We're the Rollin' Stones,' he told the operator. Sixty-five years later, no one has objected.
Brian Jones: A Rebellious Prodigy
Founding member Brian Jones was a handful from birth. Born on 28 February 1942, he mastered chess, learned multiple instruments, and had a photographic memory. But his rebellious streak bordered on anarchic, leaving his parents at a loss. His father was an aeronautical engineer, his mother a piano teacher. Jones taught himself guitar and moved to London, performing as 'Elmo Lewis'. After co-founding the Stones, he grew jealous of the bond between Richards and Jagger, abused drugs and alcohol, and became unreliable. He was dismissed in June 1969 and died by drowning a month later at age 27.
The 'Satisfaction' Riff
After shows in Paris, the Stones returned to the US and checked into the Fort Harrison Hotel. Keith Richards went to bed with his guitar and a cassette recorder. Early in the morning, he woke up dazed, picked up his guitar, and recorded a riff he heard in his head, muttering 'I can't get no satisfaction' before collapsing back into sleep. He remembered nothing the next day but found the tape had wound to the end. When he rewound it, he heard himself drop the pick, then 40 minutes of snoring. But the riff was undeniable. He played it to Jagger later that morning, and it became one of the most iconic riffs in rock history.
Meeting The Beatles
The Stones were drawing large crowds at their live shows. One Sunday afternoon at Ken Collyer's club, they noticed a frenzy at the door as four men in black leather and matching haircuts entered: The Beatles. They planted themselves in front of the stage. The Stones turned up the heat, though Jagger was too embarrassed to look at them. After the set, the bands met by the bar, and the Stones convinced the Beatles to stay for the second set. The Beatles invited them to be guests at their Royal Albert Hall debut four days later. The reception was chaotic, with shrieks and screams throughout the entire set.
Breaking America
When the Stones landed in the US on 7 February 1964, they faced a crowd of 500 fans at JFK. They were bundled through customs and a health check, as word had spread they were dirtier and wilder than The Beatles. They struggled with dismissive hosts like Dean Martin but made an impact with live shows. At the Swing Arena in San Bernardino, a riot squad was called as kids tried to ram through the doors. During 'Route 66', Jagger name-checked local towns, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Several girls broke for the stage and were dragged away by deputies.
'The Rolling Stones' by Bob Spitz is out now.
