Few bands have been chugging along for as long as the Rolling Stones. Since the 1960s, the boys have been rocking out, selling out stadium shows, and releasing killer albums. Their long history and beloved discography make them a band that’s tough to know inside-and-out, so here are fifteen facts you probably didn’t know about them!
The Blue Boys
In 1962, Mick, Keith, and their longtime friend Brian Jones formed a band called The Blue Boys. Jones played many instruments, but Mick and Keith were already locked in as singer and guitarist, respectively. The Blue Boys morphed into the Rolling Stones later on, and Brian Jones tragically passed away in 1969, ending an era for the early Stones.
Friends With the Beatles
The Stones, contrary to popular belief, didn’t hate the Beatles. In fact, far from it, the two groups were quite friendly. This is evidenced with the song “I Wanna Be Your Man,” which John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote for Ringo Starr but ended up giving to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards when they asked for something from the Beatles to record. Paul McCartney remembered the incident as such in 2016:
“We were friends with them, and I just thought ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’ would be good for them. I knew they did Bo Diddley stuff. And they made a good job of it.”
Seriously, They Were Friends
Still don’t believe that the bands were pals? Yeah, the rumors of their rivalry are pervasive. Consider this: Mick Jagger and Brian Jones can be heard on the track “Baby You’re a Rich Man,” singing backup vocals and playing the oboe, respectively, for the Beatles.
We Promise They All Got Along
Okay, you’re still shaking your head and swearing that Paul and Mick hate each other. Listen, John and Paul provided backup vocals on the Stones track “We Love You,” solidifying that they were happy to work together to show solidarity as two of the biggest up-and-coming English rock acts.
The Hair
Long hair on rock stars is as natural as spoilers on fast cars. However, when the Stones emerged with their uncut locks in the early 60s, it was scandalous. Poking fun at the breathless media coverage of their tussled hair, the band took out an ad in late 1963 reading “Best wishes to all the starving hairdresser and their families.” Yes, they’ve always been that funny.
Andy Warhol
The famous cover of Sticky Fingers features a very up-close photo of a man’s jeans and the jeans’ zipper. Hilariously, the zipper is functional and reveals a pair of underpants underneath when zipped down. What many fans don’t realize, however, is that Andy Warhol helped Warner Music Group graphic designer Craig Braun create the iconic cover after having the idea while talking with Mick Jagger late one night at a club.
Those Lips
The Stones’ iconic logo is so well known that people know it even if they don’t really know the band that well. Mick and Keith claim it was mainly inspired by Kali the Destroyer, a Hindu goddess. Fans are pretty sure Mick himself was the model for the image, though.
Struggling to Chart
It feels like the Stones have always been tremendously successful. While they have, they’ve weirdly struggled to put songs at the number one spot on the charts. Throughout their over 60 years of putting out rock music, they’ve only landed 8 number one singles.
Scorsese Loves Them
Boomers in general love the Stones, but Martin Scorsese is at least partially responsible for making their music into the unofficial sound of that generation. He used “Gimme Shelter” in no fewer than four of his movies, and even directed the live concert movie Shine a Light. Suffice it to say, he’s a fan.
Traveling in Style
The band travels in private jets often, like many touring musicians. However, the Stones themselves have been known to take commercial flights, especially for international travel. Still, they’ll use private aircraft to ferry their crew and equipment, as it’s more comfortable for the crew to cart their gear around without lugging things into commercial airliners.
All of His Blood
For years, there was a wild theory that Keith Richards underwent a dangerous and experimental procedure to kick some debilitating addictions. The story went that he got a complete blood transfusion, replacing every drop of blood in his body to shake out the entire profile of his previous drug use. Keith himself later set the record straight, hilariously divulging that he started the rumor himself!
Beating the Odds
Mick and the gang seem to have partied hard partly because they were just enjoying the ride. They’ve famously outlived all expectations that they’d pass away young, with Mick himself expressing in 1969 “I don’t think I shall live to a very old age anyway – I’ve always had that feeling, but if you can stop your body falling apart you’ve won half the battle.”
Doing it Knightly
Mick Jagger is a knight. No, really, he was knighted in 2003 for his “services to popular music,” which is as good a reason as any to be able to call yourself “Sir Mick Jagger.” Keith Richards famously hates this, telling Mick it kind of goes against their anti-establishment image. Still, it sounds cool!
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Charlie Watts
The 2023 album Hackney Diamonds is the first in recent memory to be released without the direct involvement of the late drummer Charlie Watts. While Mick, Keith, and Ronnie are depicted on the album’s cover, Charlie’s drumming can be heard on two tracks. It’s sad that he’s gone, but the Stones keep rolling on.
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Watts’ Lifestyle
Given that Watts passed away in 2021 at age 80, some people might assume he was a hard-partying rockstar. Ironically enough, he was the most straight-laced of the Stones through the 60s and 70s. After initially participating in their rowdy ways in the earliest days of the band, he backed off when his daughter told him he “looked like Dracula.” He stayed clear after that and remained married to his wife for over 60 years until his passing.
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