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The Rolling Stones

2026-05-07T14:13:04Z

Jasongeek:

The Rolling Stones

2026-05-07T14:11:55Z

Jasongeek: Created page with "{{Infobox musical artist | name = The Rolling Stones | image = Rolling Stones at the Civic Auditorium, San Francisco.jpg | image_size = 250 | landscape = yes | caption = The Rolling Stones performing in 1965. From left to right: Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman. | origin = London, England | genre = {{flatlist| * Rock music..."

{{Infobox musical artist
| name = The Rolling Stones
| image = Rolling Stones at the Civic Auditorium, San Francisco.jpg
| image_size = 250
| landscape = yes
| caption = The Rolling Stones performing in 1965. From left to right: [[Brian Jones]], [[Mick Jagger]], [[Keith Richards]], [[Charlie Watts]] and [[Bill Wyman]].
| origin = [[London]], England
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Rock music|Rock]]
* [[Blues rock]]
* [[Rhythm and blues]]
* [[Psychedelic rock]]
* [[Hard rock]]
}}
| years_active = 1962–present
| label = {{flatlist|
* [[Decca Records|Decca]]
* [[London Records]]
* [[Rolling Stones Records]]
* [[Virgin Records]]
* [[Polydor Records|Polydor]]
}}
| associated_acts = [[The Beatles]], [[Mick Taylor]], [[Ron Wood]]
| website = {{URL|rollingstones.com}}
| current_members =
{{Flatlist|
* [[Mick Jagger]]
* [[Keith Richards]]
* [[Ronnie Wood]]
}}
| past_members =
{{Flatlist|
* [[Brian Jones]] {{small|(died 1969)}}
* [[Bill Wyman]]
* [[Charlie Watts]] {{small|(died 2021)}}
* [[Mick Taylor]]
* [[Ian Stewart]] {{small|(died 1985)}}
}}
}}

'''The Rolling Stones''' are an English [[rock band]] formed in London in 1962. Active for over six decades, they are one of the most popular and influential bands of the [[rock music|rock era]]. In the early 1960s, the band pioneered the gritty, rhythm-and-blues-based sound that defined the British Invasion. Their style drew heavily from American blues, R&B, and rock 'n' roll, while later incorporating elements of psychedelia, country, and hard rock.

Led by primary songwriters [[Mick Jagger]] (lead vocals) and [[Keith Richards]] (guitar), the band gained international fame with hits such as "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", "Paint It Black", "Jumpin' Jack Flash", "Sympathy for the Devil", and "Gimme Shelter". Their live performances are renowned for their energy and longevity, with Jagger's charismatic stage presence and Richards' riff-driven guitar work as hallmarks.

== History ==

=== Formation and early years (1962–1964) ===
The Rolling Stones formed when multi-instrumentalist [[Brian Jones]] placed an advertisement in ''Jazz News''. [[Mick Jagger]] and [[Keith Richards]] joined after meeting Jones. The band took its name from the [[Muddy Waters]] song "Rollin' Stone". Original members included Jones, Jagger, Richards, pianist [[Ian Stewart]], bassist [[Dick Taylor]], and drummer [[Tony Chapman]]. By 1963, the lineup stabilized with [[Bill Wyman]] on bass and [[Charlie Watts]] on drums.

Under the management of [[Andrew Loog Oldham]], the band signed with Decca Records. Their early repertoire consisted mainly of covers of American blues and R&B songs. The debut single "Come On" (a [[Chuck Berry]] cover) reached No. 21 on the UK Singles Chart in 1963.

=== Breakthrough and international success (1965–1969) ===
The band's first major international hit was "The Last Time" (1965), followed by "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", which topped charts worldwide. Albums such as ''[[Out of Our Heads]]'' (1965), ''[[Aftermath (The Rolling Stones album)|Aftermath]]'' (1966), and ''[[Beggars Banquet]]'' (1968) established them as a leading rock act. Brian Jones' declining health and drug issues led to his departure in June 1969; he was replaced by guitarist [[Mick Taylor]]. Jones died less than a month later.

The band headlined the notorious [[Altamont Free Concert]] in December 1969, which ended in violence.

=== 1970s and commercial peak ===
The 1970s saw the release of acclaimed albums including ''[[Sticky Fingers]]'' (1971) and ''[[Exile on Main St.]]'' (1972). Mick Taylor left in 1974 and was replaced by [[Ronnie Wood]] in 1975. The band continued touring extensively, including the record-breaking 1972 American Tour.

=== 1980s and lineup changes ===
Tensions between Jagger and Richards in the 1980s led to solo projects. The band reunited for ''[[Steel Wheels]]'' (1989) and a successful tour. Bill Wyman left in 1993.

=== 1990s–present ===
The Rolling Stones continued releasing albums and touring into the 21st century. ''[[A Bigger Bang]]'' (2005) was followed by extensive world tours. Charlie Watts died in August 2021. The band released the album ''[[Hackney Diamonds]]'' in 2023, their first studio album of original material in 18 years.

== Musical style and influence ==
The Rolling Stones' sound evolved from Chicago blues and rock 'n' roll to incorporate country, folk, reggae, and disco influences. They are credited with popularizing the raw, rebellious image of rock music and influencing countless artists across genres. The band was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] in 1989.

== Band members ==

=== Current members ===
* '''[[Mick Jagger]]''' – lead and backing vocals, harmonica, rhythm guitar, percussion (1962–present)
* '''[[Keith Richards]]''' – rhythm and lead guitar, backing and lead vocals, bass (1962–present)
* '''[[Ronnie Wood]]''' – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals, bass (1975–present)

=== Former members ===
* '''[[Brian Jones]]''' – rhythm and lead guitar, harmonica, keyboards, backing vocals (1962–1969; died 1969)
* '''[[Bill Wyman]]''' – bass, backing vocals (1962–1993)
* '''[[Charlie Watts]]''' – drums, percussion (1963–2021; died 2021)
* '''[[Mick Taylor]]''' – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1969–1974)
* '''[[Ian Stewart]]''' – piano, keyboards (1962–1985; died 1985)

== Discography ==
=== Studio albums ===
* ''[[The Rolling Stones (album)|The Rolling Stones]]'' (1964)
* ''[[12 X 5]]'' (1964)
* ''[[The Rolling Stones No. 2]]'' (1965)
* ''[[Out of Our Heads]]'' (1965)
* ''[[Aftermath (The Rolling Stones album)|Aftermath]]'' (1966)
* ''[[Between the Buttons]]'' (1967)
* ''[[Their Satanic Majesties Request]]'' (1967)
* ''[[Beggars Banquet]]'' (1968)
* ''[[Let It Bleed]]'' (1969)
* ''[[Sticky Fingers]]'' (1971)
* ''[[Exile on Main St.]]'' (1972)
* ''[[Goats Head Soup]]'' (1973)
* ''[[It's Only Rock 'n Roll]]'' (1974)
* ''[[Black and Blue]]'' (1976)
* ''[[Some Girls]]'' (1978)
* ''[[Emotional Rescue]]'' (1980)
* ''[[Tattoo You]]'' (1981)
* ''[[Undercover (The Rolling Stones album)|Undercover]]'' (1983)
* ''[[Dirty Work (The Rolling Stones album)|Dirty Work]]'' (1986)
* ''[[Steel Wheels]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Voodoo Lounge]]'' (1994)
* ''[[Bridges to Babylon]]'' (1997)
* ''[[A Bigger Bang]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Hackney Diamonds]]'' (2023)

== Tours ==
The Rolling Stones have undertaken dozens of major concert tours, including the [[Voodoo Lounge Tour]] (1994–1995), the [[Bridges to Babylon Tour]] (1997–1998), the [[A Bigger Bang Tour]] (2005–2007), and the [[No Filter Tour]] (2017–2021).

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:English rock musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1962]]
[[Category:The Rolling Stones]]

MediaWiki:Common.css

2026-04-26T16:35:04Z

Jasongeek:

2026-04-19T15:52:03Z

Jasongeek: Created page with "<noinclude> == Usage == Copy the following into your article and fill in the fields you need. Fields left blank will not display. <pre> {{Infobox Musician | name = | image = | image_size = | image_upright = | alt = | caption = | birth_name = | alias = | birth_date = | birth_place = | death_date = | death_place = | origin = | genre = | occupation = | in..."

2026-04-12T22:59:23Z

Jasongeek:

2026-04-12T19:01:11Z

Jasongeek: Created page with "{{Infobox musical artist | name = Electric Light Orchestra | image = Electric Light Orchestra 1978.jpg  | caption = ELO performing in 1978 | origin = Birmingham, England | genre = Rock, pop rock, progressive rock, art rock, symphonic rock | years_active = 1970–1986, 2000–2001, 2014–2025 | label = Harvest, Warner Bros., Uni..."

{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Electric Light Orchestra
| image = Electric Light Orchestra 1978.jpg 
| caption = ELO performing in 1978
| origin = Birmingham, England
| genre = Rock, pop rock, progressive rock, art rock, symphonic rock
| years_active = 1970–1986, 2000–2001, 2014–2025
| label = Harvest, Warner Bros., United Artists, Jet, Columbia, Epic, Sony
| associated_acts = The Move, Wizzard, ELO Part II, The Orchestra, Traveling Wilburys
| website = [https://www.jefflynneselo.com/ jefflynneselo.com]
| current_members = Jeff Lynne
| past_members = Roy Wood<br>Bev Bevan<br>Richard Tandy<br>Kelly Groucutt<br>Mik Kaminski<br>Hugh McDowell<br>Melvyn Gale<br>and many others
}}

'''Electric Light Orchestra''' (commonly known as '''ELO''') are an English [[rock]] band formed in [[Birmingham]] in 1970. The group is known for blending [[Beatles]]-style pop and rock with classical orchestral elements, creating a distinctive symphonic rock sound. Led primarily by songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist [[Jeff Lynne]], ELO achieved massive commercial success in the 1970s and early 1980s with hits such as "Evil Woman", "Livin' Thing", "Mr. Blue Sky", "Don't Bring Me Down", and "Xanadu".

The band has sold over 50 million records worldwide and is regarded as one of the most innovative and successful British bands of the era. After a hiatus and several reformations, Jeff Lynne toured under the name '''Jeff Lynne's ELO''' from 2014 until the final tour in 2025.

== History ==

=== Formation and early years (1970–1972) ===
ELO was formed by Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood (both formerly of [[The Move]]), and drummer Bev Bevan. The concept was to create rock songs with classical strings and orchestral arrangements — essentially a "modern" light orchestra with electric instruments.

Their self-titled debut album was released in 1971. Roy Wood left after the second album to form [[Wizzard]], leaving Jeff Lynne as the main creative force.

=== Peak success (1973–1980) ===
With Lynne at the helm, ELO released a string of critically and commercially successful albums, including:
* ''On the Third Day'' (1973)
* ''Eldorado'' (1974) – a concept album
* ''Face the Music'' (1975)
* ''A New World Record'' (1976)
* ''Out of the Blue'' (1977) – their most successful double album, featuring the hit "Mr. Blue Sky"
* ''Discovery'' (1979)

The band became known for elaborate stage shows featuring a large string section and spaceship-like stage designs. Key hits from this era include "Can't Get It Out of My Head", "Evil Woman", "Strange Magic", "Turn to Stone", and "Shine a Little Love".

=== Later years and break-up (1981–1986) ===
Albums such as ''Time'' (1981) and ''Secret Messages'' (1983) continued their success, though with a shift toward more electronic sounds. The band effectively disbanded after the 1986 album ''Balance of Power''.

=== Reformations and Jeff Lynne's ELO (2000–2025) ===
Jeff Lynne briefly reformed ELO in 2000–2001 for a new album and tour. In 2014, he revived the band as '''Jeff Lynne's ELO''', releasing the album ''Alone in the Universe'' (2015) and embarking on major world tours. Longtime keyboardist Richard Tandy remained involved until his death in 2024.

The band completed their farewell "Over and Out" tour in 2025, marking the end of live performances.

== Musical style and legacy ==
ELO's sound combined powerful pop melodies, sophisticated orchestration, and studio experimentation. Jeff Lynne's production style — influenced by the Beatles and Phil Spector — featured layered vocals, strings, and innovative recording techniques.

The band influenced many artists in progressive rock, pop, and film scoring. Their songs continue to be used in movies, commercials, and sports events.

== Discography ==

=== Studio albums ===
* ''The Electric Light Orchestra'' (1971)
* ''ELO 2'' (1973)
* ''On the Third Day'' (1973)
* ''Eldorado'' (1974)
* ''Face the Music'' (1975)
* ''A New World Record'' (1976)
* ''Out of the Blue'' (1977)
* ''Discovery'' (1979)
* ''Xanadu'' (soundtrack, 1980, with Olivia Newton-John)
* ''Time'' (1981)
* ''Secret Messages'' (1983)
* ''Balance of Power'' (1986)
* ''Zoom'' (2001)
* ''Alone in the Universe'' (2015)
* ''From Out of Nowhere'' (2019)

=== Notable singles ===
* "10538 Overture"
* "Roll Over Beethoven"
* "Can't Get It Out of My Head"
* "Evil Woman"
* "Strange Magic"
* "Livin' Thing"
* "Telephone Line"
* "Mr. Blue Sky"
* "Turn to Stone"
* "Sweet Talkin' Woman"
* "Don't Bring Me Down"
* "Confusion"
* "Hold On Tight"
* "Xanadu" (with Olivia Newton-John)

For a full discography, see [[Electric Light Orchestra discography]].

== Members ==

'''Core / Notable members''':

* '''Jeff Lynne''' – lead vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, production (1970–present; only consistent member)
* '''Roy Wood''' – vocals, guitars, cello, woodwinds (1970–1972)
* '''Bev Bevan''' – drums, percussion, vocals (1970–1986)
* '''Richard Tandy''' – keyboards, piano, synthesizers, strings (1972–1986, 2000–2001, 2014–2024; deceased 2024)

Many other musicians contributed over the years, particularly string players (Mik Kaminski, Hugh McDowell, Melvyn Gale) and bassist Kelly Groucutt.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.jefflynneselo.com/ Official website] (Jeff Lynne's ELO)
* {{Wikipedia|Electric Light Orchestra}}

[[Category:English rock music groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Birmingham, West Midlands]]
[[Category:1970 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Art rock musical groups]]
[[Category:Symphonic rock musical groups]]