The Rolling Stones
| The Rolling Stones} | |
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| Origin | London, England |
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| Years active | 1962–present |
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| Website | [rollingstones.com rollingstones.com] |
| Members | |
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| Past members | <templatestyles src="Template:Flatlist/styles.css" />
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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 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 (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 (1964)
- 12 X 5 (1964)
- The Rolling Stones No. 2 (1965)
- Out of Our Heads (1965)
- 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 (1983)
- 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).