Book Review: Stone Alone

Love Me Do reviews the book Stone Alone by Bill Wyman, a lengthy and meticulous account of his years with The Rolling Stones, when he kept detailed diaries.

Stone Alone: The Story of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Band by Bill Wyman is a fascinating and deeply personal account of the rise of The Rolling Stones, told from the unique perspective of the band’s bass player. Published in 1990, the book stands out as one of the most detailed and introspective memoirs written by a member of the legendary group. Wyman, often regarded as the quiet, reserved Stone, offers a candid and often surprising look at the band’s early years, their meteoric rise to fame, and the personal and professional challenges they faced along the way.

Stone Alone

The book’s title, Stone Alone, is a clever play on words, reflecting both Wyman’s role in the band and his sense of isolation within it. This is in itself interesting, as Brian Jones definitely felt sidelined by the group, and Charlie Watts was always an independent spirit.

Life as a Rolling Stone

Wyman paints a vivid picture of life as a Rolling Stone, from the gritty clubs of London in the early 1960s to the global superstardom that followed. His narrative is rich with anecdotes, offering readers an insider’s view of the band’s dynamics, their creative process, and the often chaotic lifestyle that came with being at the forefront of the rock ‘n’ roll revolution.

Stone Alone’s Attention to Detail

Wyman’s meticulous attention to detail is one of the book’s greatest strengths. He provides a wealth of information about the band’s early gigs, their relationships with managers and producers, and the evolution of their music. His recollections are supported by an impressive array of photographs, set lists, and personal memorabilia, making the book a treasure trove for fans and music historians alike.

Internal Dynamics

One of the most compelling aspects of Stone Alone is Wyman’s portrayal of the band’s internal dynamics. He doesn’t shy away from discussing the tensions and rivalries that existed within the group, particularly between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the band’s primary songwriting duo.

Wyman’s perspective as an outsider within the band—despite being a founding member—adds a layer of poignancy to his story. He often felt overshadowed by the larger-than-life personalities of Jagger and Richards, and his reflections on this dynamic reveal a man who was deeply committed to the music but struggled with his place in the spotlight.

Bill Wyman’s Personal Life

Wyman also delves into his personal life, sharing stories about his upbringing in post-war England, his early musical influences, and his struggles with fame and relationships. His candidness about his own insecurities and mistakes adds depth to the narrative, making him a relatable and sympathetic figure. At the same time, he doesn’t hold back when discussing the excesses of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, including the band’s notorious encounters with drugs, groupies, and legal troubles.

Stone Alone: A Must-Read

While Stone Alone is undoubtedly a must-read for Rolling Stones fans, it also offers broader insights into the music industry and the cultural shifts of the 1960s and 1970s. Wyman’s reflections on the band’s impact on popular culture and their role in shaping the sound of rock music are thoughtful and thought-provoking. However, the book’s sheer level of detail can sometimes feel overwhelming, and Wyman’s writing style, while engaging, occasionally lacks the polish of a professional biographer.

In conclusion, Stone Alone is a compelling and deeply personal memoir that offers a unique perspective on one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Bill Wyman’s honesty, attention to detail, and willingness to explore both the highs and lows of his life with The Rolling Stones make this book an essential read for anyone interested in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a story of music, fame, and the complexities of human relationships, told by a man who lived it all—a stone alone.