Current lineup: Keith Richards (Background vocals), Mick Jagger (Acoustic guitar), Ronnie Wood (Acoustic guitar)
The Rolling Stones, hailing from the vibrant streets of London, burst onto the music scene in 1962. They've been rockin' for seven decades, cementing their status as one of the most influential and enduring bands in history.
The Stones were pioneers, pushing the boundaries of rock with their raw, blues-infused sound, paving the way for the hard rock genre. Their classic lineup – Mick Jagger on vocals, Keith Richards on guitar, Brian Jones on various instruments, Bill Wyman on bass, and Charlie Watts on drums – became the foundation of their success. Initially led by Jones, the band found their creative spark with the arrival of manager Andrew Loog Oldham in 1963. Oldham encouraged them to write their own material, and the Jagger-Richards songwriting partnership soon became the heartbeat of the band.
Born out of the blues and early rock 'n' roll, the Rolling Stones started as covers artists, riding the wave of the 1964 British Invasion. But they quickly found their own voice, capturing the spirit of the youth counterculture with iconic hits like "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", "Get Off of My Cloud" and "Paint It Black." Their groundbreaking album Aftermath (1966), filled with original songs, cemented their place as musical revolutionaries. It's considered a cornerstone of their early career, showcasing the band's raw power and artistic evolution.
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Browse All United Kingdom BandsThe Rolling Stones were formed in London in 1962. The founding members were vocalist Mick Jagger, guitarist Keith Richards, multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones, bassist Bill Wyman, and drummer Charlie Watts. This initial lineup marked the beginning of what would become one of the most influential and enduring rock bands in history. Early on, Brian Jones was the primary leader of the band, which initially played blues and early rock and roll covers.
In 1963, Andrew Loog Oldham became the manager of The Rolling Stones. His influence was pivotal in encouraging the band to start writing their own songs rather than relying solely on covers. This shift led to the iconic songwriting partnership between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, which would become the driving creative force behind the band's success. This period marked the band's transition toward creating original music that defined their unique sound.
The Rolling Stones emerged as key figures in the British Invasion of the United States in the mid-1960s. They gained recognition and a devoted youth following for their gritty, rhythmically driven sound. Their original compositions, such as "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and "Get Off of My Cloud" released in 1965, became international hits. These songs helped establish the band as one of the leading rock groups of the era, symbolizing youthful rebellion and counterculture movements worldwide.
In 1966, The Rolling Stones released 'Aftermath,' their first album composed entirely of original songs. This album is deemed one of their most important early works, illustrating their evolution from a cover band to significant songwriters and musicians in rock music. Tracks from this album captured diverse sounds, expanding their blues roots and integrating other musical influences, cementing their reputation as a creative and innovative band in rock history.
The band achieved a double-sided hit with the songs "Ruby Tuesday" and "Let's Spend the Night Together" in 1967. During this period, The Rolling Stones also explored psychedelic rock, exemplified by the album 'Their Satanic Majesties Request.' Although this departure from their blues-based rock was met with mixed reviews, it showcased their willingness to experiment and evolve musically during an era when psychedelic sounds were prominent in rock culture.
By the late 1960s, The Rolling Stones returned to their rhythm and blues roots with landmark singles like "Jumpin' Jack Flash" (1968) and "Honky Tonk Women" (1969). Albums such as 'Beggars Banquet' (1968), featuring "Sympathy for the Devil," and 'Let It Bleed' (1969), with tracks like "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and "Gimme Shelter," are considered classics. This period reinforced the band's stature as masters of blues-infused rock and produced enduring songs that resonated socially and culturally.
In 1969, Brian Jones left The Rolling Stones shortly before his untimely death. His departure marked the end of an era for the band. Mick Taylor was recruited as his replacement on guitar. This year also saw the band being introduced famously on stage as "the greatest rock and roll band in the world." This transition was crucial as it heralded new sounds and dynamics that would define the band's 1970s period.
The 1971 release of 'Sticky Fingers' was a monumental moment in The Rolling Stones' career. The album produced hits like "Brown Sugar" and "Wild Horses" and was the first of eight consecutive number-one studio albums in the United States. This album also introduced the iconic tongue and lips logo, which became a symbol synonymous with the band. 'Sticky Fingers' marked both commercial success and artistic maturity.
Following 'Sticky Fingers,' the band released 'Exile on Main St.' in 1972 and 'Goats Head Soup' in 1973. These albums continued to produce hits such as "Tumbling Dice," "Happy," and "Angie," showcasing the band’s musical versatility and depth. Both albums contributed to maintaining the band’s relevance and commercial success during the early 1970s, reinforcing their status as rock legends.
At the end of 1974, Mick Taylor left the band and was replaced by Ronnie Wood, which stabilized the group's lineup. The band continued their success by releasing the album 'Some Girls' in 1978, which included popular tracks like "Miss You" and "Beast of Burden." This period marked their adaptation to changing musical trends while retaining their distinctive style, ensuring ongoing popularity in the rock scene.
In 1981, The Rolling Stones released 'Tattoo You,' an album that featured enduring hits such as "Start Me Up." The record was well-received and displayed the band's ability to craft rock anthems that endured across decades. 'Tattoo You' represented a high point in their 1980s output, further solidifying their legacy as one of rock's most iconic and long-lasting acts.
The band staged a widely acknowledged comeback with the 1989 album 'Steel Wheels,' which rejuvenated their sound and popularity. In 1994, they followed up with 'Voodoo Lounge,' maintaining momentum with large stadium and arena tours. These albums helped the Stones sustain their stature as a dominant live act. Throughout this period, they broke records for high-grossing tours, underlining their enduring appeal and status as concert legends.
After Bill Wyman's departure in 1993, The Rolling Stones continued as a four-piece core group, with Darryl Jones filling in as the regular bassist for live performances. Following the death of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, the core of the band was reduced further, and Steve Jordan became their regular drummer. Despite these changes, the band remains active, retaining their immense influence and status in rock music.
In October 2023, The Rolling Stones released 'Hackney Diamonds,' their first album of original material in 18 years. The album marked a significant event in their long career, debuting as their fourteenth UK number-one album. This release demonstrated the band’s ability to produce relevant and compelling music even after six decades of performing, reinforcing their lasting impact on the music industry.
Two London blues rock acts go head-to-head! Dire Straits formed in 1977 with a blend of rock, country, folk, and blues, while The Rolling Stones burst onto the scene in 1962. Cast your vote before voting closes!
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