Love Me Do tells the story of The Rolling Stones, with hits like Satisfaction, Not Fade Away, Start Me Up, Angie, Ruby Tuesday, Paint It Black and many more.
The Rolling Stones are one of the most influential and enduring rock bands in the history of music. Formed in London in 1962, here’s a potted history of The Rolling Stones.
Early Years of The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones were formed by Brian Jones, who recruited Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards to the group he was putting together. They were soon joined by Bill Wyman on bass and Charlie Watts on drums. The band was initially influenced by American blues and rock and roll artists such as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Howlin’ Wolf. Their name was inspired by a Muddy Waters song, Rollin’ Stone.
The Rolling Stones’ Breakthrough (1963-1967)
The Rolling Stones signed with Decca Records in 1963 and released their debut single, a cover of Chuck Berry’s Come On, which made it to Number 21 in the UK charts. Their early repertoire consisted mainly of blues covers and rock and roll standards, but they soon began writing their own material at the insistence of their manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, who had seen what The Beatles were doing… and could also see the extra money-making opportunities of writing and publishing your own songs.
Their first UK chart-topping single, It’s All Over Now, was released in 1964. Their debut album, The Rolling Stones, released in 1964, showcased their raw, energetic sound. The band’s rebellious image and gritty music set them apart from their contemporaries. In June 1965 they achieved international success with the release of (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, which became an anthem for the counterculture movement.
The Peak of the 1960s and Experimentation (1967-1972)
The late 1960s saw The Rolling Stones explore new musical territories and experiment with different styles. Their albums Aftermath (1966) and Between the Buttons (1967) included innovative tracks like Paint It Black and Ruby Tuesday.
However, it was their 1968 album, Beggars Banquet, that marked a return to their blues roots and solidified their place in rock history. The album featured songs that are still synonymous with the group today, such as Sympathy for the Devil and Street Fighting Man.
In 1969, founding member Brian Jones left the band and was replaced by Mick Taylor. The release of Let It Bleed that same year continued their streak of success, with songs like Gimme Shelter, Midnight Rambler, and You Can’t Always Get What You Want.
The Golden Era (1972-1978)
The early 1970s were a golden era for The Rolling Stones. Their 1972 album Exile on Main St. is considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time, featuring a mix of rock, blues, and country influences. The band’s hedonistic lifestyle and tumultuous relationships were often reflected in their music during this period.
Subsequent albums like Goats Head Soup (1973) and Some Girls (1978) continued to achieve commercial and critical success. Songs like Angie and Miss You became fan favorites.
The Continued Success of The Rolling Stones (1980-1999)
The 1980s brought changes to the band’s lineup and sound. Mick Taylor had left the band in 1974 and was replaced by Ronnie Wood. Despite internal conflicts and changing musical landscapes, The Rolling Stones continued to release successful albums and tour extensively. Their 1981 album Tattoo You included hits like Start Me Up and Waiting on a Friend.
The band’s ability to adapt to the times and remain relevant was evident in their continued success throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Albums like Steel Wheels (1989) and Voodoo Lounge (1994) reaffirmed their status as rock legends.
The 21st Century and Legacy
The Rolling Stones have continued to tour and release new music into the 21st century. Their 2005 album A Bigger Bang received positive reviews and marked a return to their rock roots. The band’s live performances, including the record-breaking A Bigger Bang Tour, have continued to draw massive crowds.
Blue and Lonesome (December, 2016) was a return to their blues roots and was a stripped-down album of exclusively cover versions of blues songs. It was also their first studio album since A Bigger Bang, eleven years earlier.
Despite the passing of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, The Rolling Stones have persevered, with Steve Jordan stepping in as the new drummer. In October, 2023, they released Hackney Diamonds, an album of entirely original songs with guest appearances by Elton John, Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and their former bassist, Bill Wyman.
Conclusion
The Rolling Stones’ journey from a London blues band to global rock icons is a testament to their talent, resilience, and enduring appeal. With a career spanning over six decades, they have left an indelible mark on the history of popular music. Their timeless hits, rebellious image, and electrifying performances continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, ensuring that The Rolling Stones remain an essential part of the rock and roll canon and the ‘greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world’.
