Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Rolling Stones Urinals Causing Controversy in Germany...

Rolling Stones Urinals Causing Controversy in Germany

Stones Urinals

Rolling Stones Urinal

German women wouldn’t have an issue with the lip shaped urinals at the recently opened Rolling Stones museum in Lüchow, Germany if they came installed with tongues. That way, the toilet would more accurately resemble the famous lips logo the band has long used in promotional material.

The L.A. Times reports that critics of the bathroom art say it conveys a “misogynistic message.” “It’s discrimination against women,” local feminist Roda Armbruster tells Hamburg based broadcast network NDR, explaining that without the tongue it’s just a woman’s mouth a man is relieving himself into.

It seems unlikely that the outcry will change the decor of the museum’s mens room. Founder Ulli Schroder says they’re art, not a man’s mouth or a woman’s mouth. “They were damned expensive and they’re staying where they are,” he said, according to the International Business Times. “That’s final.”

Dutch artist Meike van Schijndel designed the toilets, which have been decorating bathrooms worldwide since the early 2000′s. This isn’t the first time controversy has dogged the manufacture. TMZ reports that in 2004, Virgin Airlines flushed plans to install a pair of these toilets at JFK Airport. These controversial items are marketed as “Kisses!” urinals on Bathroom Mania’s website, and at last check sold for over $900.


***THANKS TO'' ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK''***


Rolling Stones Urinals Causing Controversy in Germany

Stones Urinals

Rolling Stones Urinal

German women wouldn’t have an issue with the lip shaped urinals at the recently opened Rolling Stones museum in Lüchow, Germany if they came installed with tongues. That way, the toilet would more accurately resemble the famous lips logo the band has long used in promotional material.

The L.A. Times reports that critics of the bathroom art say it conveys a “misogynistic message.” “It’s discrimination against women,” local feminist Roda Armbruster tells Hamburg based broadcast network NDR, explaining that without the tongue it’s just a woman’s mouth a man is relieving himself into.

It seems unlikely that the outcry will change the decor of the museum’s mens room. Founder Ulli Schroder says they’re art, not a man’s mouth or a woman’s mouth. “They were damned expensive and they’re staying where they are,” he said, according to the International Business Times. “That’s final.”

Dutch artist Meike van Schijndel designed the toilets, which have been decorating bathrooms worldwide since the early 2000′s. This isn’t the first time controversy has dogged the manufacture. TMZ reports that in 2004, Virgin Airlines flushed plans to install a pair of these toilets at JFK Airport. These controversial items are marketed as “Kisses!” urinals on Bathroom Mania’s website, and at last check sold for over $900.


***THANKS TO'' ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK''***


Saturday, January 28, 2012

Ronnie Wood recovering from foot surgery; 'Ronnie Wood Show' now on NYC radio...



Ronnie Wood recovering from foot surgery; 'Ronnie Wood Show' now on NYC radio


Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood is recovering from an operation he had on one of his feet, according to the Daily Mail, which has published paparazzi photos of Wood walking with a cane.

In other news about Wood, his award-winning radio program "The Ronnie Wood Show" (which originates on Absolute Radio's Absolute Classic Rock channel) can now be heard on New York City's classic rock station Q104 (WAXQ-FM) on Sundays at midnight.

As previously reported, "The Ronnie Wood Show" will be televised on the U.K. TV network Sky Arts 1 HD as of February 2012. It is the first time that a member of the Rolling Stones is starring in his own TV show.

Ronnie Wood - Ronnie Wood Undergoes Foot Surgery...



Ronnie Wood - Ronnie Wood Undergoes Foot Surgery

28 January 2012 14:01

Ronnie Wood Undergoes Foot Surgery












Veteran rocker Ronnie Wood is recovering after undergoing minor surgery on one of his feet.

The Rolling Stones star has been photographed using a cane to help him get around and it has now been revealed the 64 year old has been treated for a painful foot condition.

Wood underwent a minor operation to treat the ailment and has bought himself an elaborate wooden walking stick to use during his recovery, according to Britain's The Sun newspaper.


***THANKS TO 'CONTACMUSIC.COM'***

Friday, January 27, 2012

Darryl plays together with two mates - Jean Paul Bourelly (g, voc) and Will Calhoun (dr) - they call themselves Black Stone Raiders....


January 25 - Darryl Jones talks Stones

Darryl plays together with two mates - Jean Paul Bourelly (g, voc) and Will Calhoun (dr) - they call themselves Black Stone Raiders. They are playing some gigs in Germany, like today in Kassel and next Tuesday in Mainz [=> tickets!]. They play grooving JazzFunkRock with a lot of Hendrix influences, so go and see them if possible.

Rolling-Stones-Bassist Darryl Jones & Black Stone Raiders

Darryl was interviewed by a german newspaper, the Thüringer Allgemeine, and of cause asked whether he knew anything about a Stones tour. He declined - he knows about all the rumors, but as long as he doesn't get a call, he doesn't think about it too much. Speculation is not getting us anywhere, he said. The Stones are Blues for him, first of all, and it's really great fun to tour with them. What he doesn't like about the Stones? Well, they have a weird accent, he said.


***THANKS TO''StonesNews-Dot-Com''***

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Jeff Beck On His Rolling Stones Audition: Keith And I Would Have Punched Each Other Out...


Jeff Beck On His Rolling Stones Audition: Keith And I Would Have Punched Each Other Out

Simone Joyner, Getty Images

Shortly after being named a ‘Living Legend’ by Classic Rock Magazine, Jeff Beck spent some time looking back at his storied career, including an ill-fated 1975 audition for the Rolling Stones.

The Stones were looking to fill the guitarist slot that had recently been vacated by Mick Taylor. Beck stopped by thinking that he was merely going to help them out with a couple of tracks for their next record. The fact that he might be auditioning for the group never crossed his mind.

As he relates in the story, he had been in the studio for two days without seeing any of the Stones. Looking around the area, he saw a stack of guitars and thought “odd…how many guitars does Keith need?”

Pianist Ian Stewart told Beck “they’re giving you an audition. They’ve told all the other guys to f-ck off.”

“Eventually, we got into the same room together and I started playing Bill Wyman’s bass so hard the dust was flying off. I wandered off and the engineer, Glyn Johns, said ‘that’s incredible!’ I said: ‘One for the archives, mate. I’m leaving tomorrow.’”

The group wasn’t happy with Beck’s decision to leave, but he describes the recording situation back then as “dysfunctional” and says that he couldn’t deal with the “lack of purpose.”

From their side, the Stones defended their methods as the way they worked as a unit, but Beck wanted no part of that, saying that “I’m not into chaos.”

“Some people might find it hard to believe that you’d walk away from the Stones gig, but Keith and I wouldn’t have gone through an album without punching each other out anyway.”

In the end, Beck was happy with his decision, because he was slated to work with Beatles producer George Martin on the album that would become Beck’s ‘Blow by Blow.’

Having recently revealed a new band lineup, Beck is excited about his forthcoming album, which he says will be “a real band album.”

Filed Under: , , Category: News

Mick Jagger cancels Great British Tea Party appearance; says he was being used...



Mick Jagger cancels Great British Tea Party appearance; says he was being used

Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger has canceled his appearance at the Great British Tea Party because Jagger said he felt like he was being used by politicians for their political agendas. As previously reported, the event (hosted by London mayor Boris Johnson) is scheduled to take place on January 25, 2012, in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, during the five-day annual World Economic Forum. The Great British Tea Party, which has been endorsed by British prime minister David Cameron, is aimed to boost investments in the United Kingdom.

Jagger issued this strongly worded statement:

“During my career I have always eschewed party politics and came to Davos as a guest, as I thought it would be stimulating. I have always been interested in economics and world events. I now find myself being used as a political football and there has been a lot of comment about my political allegiances which are inaccurate. I think it’s best I decline the invitation to the key event and curtail my visit.”

An unnamed source told the Daily Mirror:

“Mick is mortified at the suggestion he’s close to the Tory party. He was invited over to Davos to support British enterprise and industry which are areas that are close to his heart. But as soon as he found out that his presence was being paraded by the Tories as a publicity coup, he packed his bags and left. He just feels exploited.”

The Daily Mirror reports that a "senior government source" said:

“This was a non-political event and at no point was there ever any suggestion that Sir Mick was a Conservative.”

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Mick Jagger to attend Great British Tea Party during 2012 World Economic Forum...



Mick Jagger to attend Great British Tea Party during 2012 World Economic Forum

Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger is reportedly set to attend the Great British Tea Party (hosted by London mayor Boris Johnson) that will be held on January 25, 2012, in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, during the five-day annual World Economic Forum. The Great British Tea Party, which has been endorsed by British prime minister David Cameron, is aimed to boost investments in the United Kingdom.

An unnamed sourced told The Sun: "Mick Jagger is a massive international celebrity who seldom has anything to do with politicians.So it's fantastic that he's agreed to help the PM sell Britain to the world in this very special year."

The 2012 Summer Olympics will be held in London. In 2011, there were false rumors that Jagger might perform at the Olympics with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and John Lyndon (aka former Sex Pistols singer Johnny Rotten).

According to The Sun, Jagger's late mother Eva was "an active member of the Tory Party and it has long been suspected that Sir Mick, 68, is a closet Conservative supporter. But this is the first time that the 'Sympathy for the Devil' singer has appeared at any public event for a Tory Prime Minister."

The Sun reports that model/actress Lily Cole and Internet entrepreneur Sir Tim Berners-Lee will also attend the Great British Tea Party.


***THANKS TO ''EXAMINER.COM''***

Monday, January 23, 2012

Rolling Stones ‘Exile’ Book Sells for a Sky High Price...


Rolling Stones ‘Exile’ Book Sells for a Sky High Price

eBay

A Rolling Stones ‘Exile’ book issued by Genesis Publications sold for $2,016 at a recent eBay auction. Genesis has produced fine limited edition books since 1974 and though they’re costly upon publication, they tend to increase in value especially if and when they go out of print.

Such was the case with this collectors edition of ‘Exile,’ which was limited in number and is no longer available from the publisher. The subtitle ‘The Making of ‘Exile On Main St.’ lists French rock photographer Dominique Tarle as author and this edition is signed by him. The seller notes that this copy was numbered 340 of 2,000.

Rolling Stones members Keith Richards, Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor are just a few of the alumni that contribute to this quarter leather bound book that comes in a full color photo-montage slipcase.

The 248 pages feature 280 beautiful images and 90,000 words, ranking it as one of the nicest Rolling Stones book ever produced and the final word on one of the greatest rock albums ever. The photographs were taken by Tarle during his stay with Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg at Villa Nellcote during the summer of 1971.

The crazy part of this particular sale is that the seller was so confident in the title, that the description on the auction page is practically non-existent. Obviously, combining key words such as, “The Rolling Stones, “Exile” and “Genesis Limited Edition” can sky rocket a price, by merit alone.


***THANKS TO ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK***

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Mick Jagger attends Ben Watts' 45th birthday party in New York City...



Mick Jagger attends Ben Watts' 45th birthday party in New York City

Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger was among the celebrities who attended the 45th birthday party of photographer Ben Watts. The event was held on January 19, 2012, at the Double Seven nightclub in New York City.

Other celebrity guests included Naomi Watts (Ben's younger sister) and her longtime love Liev Schreiber. (Ben and Naomi Watts are not related to Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts.)

The Double Seven (which is owned by Jeffrey Jah) is also where Jagger's other band SuperHeavy held a record-release party for its self-titled debut album on September 21, 2011. SuperHeavy members Jagger, Dave Stewart and A.R. Rahman were at the record-release party, while the band's other members (Joss Stones and Damian Marley) did not attend due to other commitments.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

December 3, 1965, the day Keith Richards gets buzzed. Or maybe zapped is a better word. ..






December 3, 1965, the day Keith Richards gets buzzed. Or maybe zapped is a better word.

by evpcd

From Keith's book "Life."
"My most spectacular one was in Sacramento.....He has a good laugh at the memory of finding himself in a hospital and hearing a doctor say, "Well, they either wake up or they don't."

Keith Richards near electrocution at the Memorial Auditorium 1965. It was the second time the Stones came to Sacramento, coming off an appearance on the Ed Sullivan show. About 4 songs into their set, Keith stepped up to the microphone and got a jolt of electricity that put him on his butt. Some who were in the audience recall seeing a blue flash, or sparks and wondered if he was dead. Concert promoter Jeff Hughson heard a loud crack and thought it was a gun! "Oh no, someone shot Keith"!..My question was did the show go on, I have read in some places it did. Well it didn’t. Mick Martin who was at the backstage door, saw Keith being carried out and he looked kind of "blue". The concert it turns out...did end at this point. The Stones didn't carry on, they just left. Without Keith, come on, it just isn’t the Stones. Anyway, that's the way it went down 46 years ago.

http://www.eagle969.com/What-Really-Happened-to-Keith/11278801?pid=186190&archive=1

This is an original flyer from the show in Sacramento I recently purchased.

***THANKS A LOT TO ''GARY ROCK''***

Rolling Stones reach out to Mick Taylor, sparking rumors of possible reunion...



Rolling Stones reach out to Mick Taylor, sparking rumors of possible reunion

Could former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor be part of a Rolling Stones reunion to celebrate the band's 50th anniversary? There have been some signs pointing to this possibility.

Because 2012 is the 50th anniversary of the Rolling Stones, members of the band have already said in interviews that they will do something special to commemorate this milestone. However, the Rolling Stones have not yet announced their 50th anniversary plans.

But there have been some indications that the Rolling Stones may be ready to temporarily reunite with Taylor, who was the Rolling Stones' lead guitarist from 1969 to 1974:

Taylor's most recent public performance with members of the Stones was when he performed with Watts and Wood in London at a March 2011 tribute show to the late Ian Stewart.

However, Taylor has not shared the stage with Richards and Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger since the Rolling Stones were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

Jagger has made it clear in interviews that the Rolling Stones will not be doing a major full-scale tour in 2012. However, there is always the possibility that the band could do a select number of 50th anniversary concerts.

In other Rolling Stones news, the band has announced that a second album in its "bootleg" series will be released from the Rolling Stones archives. Further details are to be announced. In November 2011, the Stones officially released the first album in the series: "The Brussels Affair," a 1973 Brussels concert that had been bootlegged for years.

Marianne Faithfull, Ronnie Spector & more join Rolling Stones tribute concert ...

Marianne Faithfull, Ronnie Spector & more join Rolling Stones tribute concert

Marianne Faithfull, Ronnie Spector and Rickie Lee Jones have been added to the lineup of performers of the Rolling Stones tribute concert that takes place March 13, 2012, at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle and several other artists will perform at the show, as previously reported.

As many Rolling Stones fans already know, Faithfull and Spector had personal and professional connections to the band in the 1960s. Faithfull was Mick Jagger's girlfriend in the latter half of the 1960s, and her first hit (1964's "As Tears Go By") was written by Jagger and Keith Richards. Spector and her girl group the Ronettes toured with the Rolling Stones in 1964, and she briefly dated Richards during that time. Richards and Spector have since had many collaborations in the studio and on stage.

Here is the official press release about Faithfull, Spector and Jones performing at the Rolling Stones tribute concert:

Marianne Faithfull, Ronnie Spector and Rickie Lee Jones Join Tribute To The Music Of The Rolling Stones At Carnegie Hall Mar 13

Three female legends have joined the tribute to the music of The Rolling Stones benefit concert at Carnegie Hall Mar 13. Marianne Faithfull, Ronnie Spector and Rickie Lee Jones have now been added to the star-studded lineup. Each participating artist will play a song off Hot Rocks 1964-1971, which includes "As Tears Go By," the Jagger/Richards-penned song originally a hit for Faithfull in 1964. Spector's history with the band dates to the same year, when The Ronettes toured with the Stones in the UK.

Presented and curated by Michael Dorf, noted music impresario and entrepreneur, the previously announced lineup for "The Music of The Rolling Stones at Carnegie Hall" tribute includes Rosanne Cash, The Mountain Goats, TV on the Radio & Jovanotti, Glen Hansard, Peaches, Marc Cohn, Taj Mahal, Steve Earle, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Jackie Greene and Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes).

The concert marks the eighth installment in an annual series to raise crucially needed funds for music education programs for underprivileged youth. Total funds raised exceeds $600,000 to date. 100% of the net proceeds from the concert will be given to eight music education non-profits: The American Symphony Orchestra Music Notes, Church Street School of Music, Young Audiences, Music Unites, FIKS (Fixing Instruments for Kids in Schools); and newly added beneficiaries The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, Midori and Friends, and The Center for Arts Education.

'The Music of The Rolling Stones' concert on the Web:
http://www.carnegiestones.com/
http://www.shorefire.com/clients/carnegiestones

Renegade Rolling Stones Fans Demand Live Show Changes...

Renegade Rolling Stones Fans Demand Live Show Changes

Getty Images

The Rolling Stones will celebrate their 50th anniversary this year, and talk of a big tour to commemorate the occasion has been running wild for quite a while now. Well, just in case this happens, a group of fans already has a list of demands about changes they want made on any future Stones tours.

According to Classic Rock.com, this group of fans, who call themselves the Rolling Stones Liberation Front, have come up with a list of demands, desires…call them what you want, these folks know it’s only rock and roll but they want it done right! And we gotta say, they certainly raise a lot of very valid points here!

Here are edited versions of the Liberation Front’s list of demands:

1) WE WANT SMALLER VENUES
We believe the time has passed for gargantuan mega-arena spectaculars; hardly anything good comes from these soulless shows. Scale it back. Throw away the lights, the inflatables, the fireworks and the catwalks…Cut the fat, less is more.

2) WE WANT LOWER TICKET PRICES
We believe it is unacceptable to charge up to $350 for a single ticket. Today it is only the bourgeoisie who can afford (or are given tickets to) seats near the front; fat cats, music critics and their sloppy, clueless friends who have only a passing interest in the band. This is an outrage. We demand the Rolling Stones to go back to regular, first come/first serve ticket sales, preferably at physical ticket outlets and not via the Internet. No promos, no guest lists. (editor’s note: hey, wait a minute!)

3) WE WANT A SET LIST OVERHAUL
We believe with an immense back catalogue of songs to choose from, there is no reason why The Rolling Stones need to stick to roughly the same 30 songs for every tour; we refuse to sit through another airing of the played-out hits. Therefore, we demand the following songs not to be played on the next tour: (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, Brown Sugar, Honky Tonk Women, Start Me Up, Sympathy For The Devil. Investigate your own catalogue; do not take us for granted.

4) WE WANT THE ELIMINATION OF THE HORN SECTION AND BACK-UP SINGERS
We believe The Rolling Stones have drifted too far from the true and basic rock ‘n roll aesthetic. It’s time to bring it back; With all due respect to the honorable Bobby Keys, we believe the horn arrangements are needless and get in the way. We demand the removal of the brass section for the upcoming tour. Additionally, the use of back-ups singers is now irrelevant and we demand their removal for the next tour.

5) WE WANT THE EXPULSION OF ALL OPENING ACTS
We believe the Rolling Stones have stopped challenging themselves. There was a time when they would bring an opening band talented enough to challenge the Stones themselves who, in turn, would have to step it up even further when it was time for them to take the stage. While there are in fact hard working bands today who could give the Rolling Stones a run for their money, they never seem to appear on the bill. Therefore, we demand The Rolling Stones forgo the use of opening acts on this last tour. Cut the fat, less is more.

6) WE WANT ALL FANS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEMSELVES
We believe the fault also lies with fans willing to do the bidding of their favorite band, no matter the cost. How many suckers does it take to fill an auditorium? Ask The Rolling Stones. We are all suckers, victims of their apparent cynicism and money hungry ways. We urge all self-respecting Rolling Stones fans to heed our warnings and join our ranks. Don’t be taken for granted. Now it’s time The Rolling Stones give back or we will push back. Why give them more of our money and then settle for the usual? We won’t.

So there you have it! The RSLF have spoken! Are the Rolling Stones listening? Do they even give a flying tongue at this point? Or will these good ideas end up nestled next to our dear long departed Mr. Brian Jones somewhere? They truly were/are one of the greatest rock and roll bands ever to walk the line and it’s a cryin shame and a disgrace that they have become so predictable in concert. These renegades do make a lot of good points here, let’s hope the band is up for trying some of these ideas out!

Filed Under: , ,

***THANKS TO ULTIMATE CLASSIC CROCK***

Rolling Stones Tease New Archive Live Album, Open Tumblr Page...

Rolling Stones Tease New Archive Live Album, Open Tumblr Page

Rolling Stones

MJ Kim, Getty Images

After releasing ‘The Brussels Affair‘ bootleg in November, the much-anticipated Rolling Stones archive website seems to have taken the holidays off, leaving fans to wonder if it was more hype than substance. However a recent tweet has provided hope that more unearthed gems will soon appear for preview and purchase.

“Straight from the Tongue&Lips: The band are releasing another bootleg remixed by Bob Clearmountain soon. What year do you hope it’s from?” yesterday’s post reads. Tongue & Lips (or T&L) is how whoever is tweeting at the official Rolling Stones Twitter page refers to him or herself. Clearmountain is an award-winning engineer who’s worked with the Stones frequently.

Responses have to “T&L’s” query varied, from BBC Sessions in the early ’60s to shows in Tokyo in 1990. One fan is hoping for remastered bootlegs of the Tour of the Americas from 1975. “You heard it here 1st, a newly remastered bootleg will soon be on its way,” a tweet from this afternoon reads. “loving your guesses,keep em coming!”

The band’s new Tumblr page doesn’t offer one many clues. While there is a healthy feed of news and video (many not viewable in the U.S.) most of the recent additions are from ‘Exile on Main St.,’ an album that has been remastered multiple times, most recently in 2010.

The Stones Archive seems geared toward unreleased albums or bootlegs, photos and films that the band has kept hidden, sometimes as long as 50 years. If the quality of this new project is anywhere near as clean as ‘The Brussels Affair,’ than the growing swell of excitement will be more that justified.

Filed Under: ,

***THANKS TO 'ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK'***

Wood said “Jimi was a really sweet, well-mannered boy, and I’m very honored to have shared a little space of time with him back in the late 1960s.”

Ron Wood Remembers Jimi Hendrix’s Last Night

Jimi Hendrix, Ronnie Wood

Graham Wood, Hulton Archive / Keystone, Hulton Archives, Getty Images

Guitarist Ron Wood recently recalled his friendship with the late, great Jimi Hendrix. Speaking on their friendship recently on his show on Absolute Radio UK, Wood said “Jimi was a really sweet, well-mannered boy, and I’m very honored to have shared a little space of time with him back in the late 1960s.”

Wood and Hendrix were actually roommates at one point, both men establishing themselves in the world of rock and roll: Hendrix as a transplanted American impressing all of swinging London with his extraordinary guitar playing , and Wood, first as guitarist with the raunchy Mod band The Birds and later, as bassist with The Jeff Beck Group.

Wood also spoke of Jimi’s insecurity about a certain aspect of his own talent, “I used to say, ‘How was the gig tonight?’ and he’d go, ‘Oh, the guitar was okay, man, but my voice… I really can’t sing.’ I said, ‘Look, you’re not doing a bad job, man, don’t worry about it.’ I’d say, ‘Look, it’s all part of the side-effect. I think it goes great with the way you strum and play amazing guitar’.”

Wood was with Hendrix on his final, fateful night. “I was with him at Ronnie Scott’s the night he died. He was walking down the stairs with his arm around this girl and I said to him, ‘Jimi, say goodnight’ – and he didn’t turn round, I said, ‘Jimi, say goodnight!’ and he turned round really slowly, out of his brain, and just gave me a little stoned wave. And that was the last the world saw of him. Very sad, very sad departure.”

Filed Under: , , ,

***THANKS TO ''ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK''***

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Best Mick Taylor Rolling Stones Song – Readers’ Poll...

Best Mick Taylor Rolling Stones Song – Readers’ Poll

Evening Standard Hulton Archive, Getty Images

It’s a debate-starter, for sure, but many fans consider Mick Taylor, who turns 63 today (Jan. 17), the best guitarist the Rolling Stones ever had! While Keith has his own coolness, Ronnie is always great and Brian Jones may have had the most overall musical talent, Taylor’s lead guitar work during his short but sweet stint in the ‘world’s greatest rock and roll band’ set an extremely high standard.

Starting his professional career at age 17 with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers in 1967, Taylor so impressed John Mayall that he was asked to take over the lead guitar spot left by the one and only Peter Green (who left to form Fleetwood Mac with another ex-Bluesbreaker, John McVie).

In mid-1969, Brian Jones was ousted from The Rolling Stones. John Mayall suggested Mick Jagger and Richards give Taylor a shot. His first public performance with the band was at Hyde Park in July of ’69 for what ended up being a memorial concert for Jones, who died just three days prior. Taylor joined the band in the studio for the recording of the ‘Let It Bleed’ album soon thereafter.

Taylor’s style of playing differed greatly from both Brian and Keith, and he added a whole other angle to the sound of the band. His playing on tracks like ‘Moonlight Mile’ and ‘Sway’ (both from the band’s 1971 album ‘Sticky Fingers’) is nothing short of haunting.

The best way to experience the genius of Taylor’s playing was the live concerts the Stones did at the time. He was particularly in his element during the band’s 1972 tour. There are a handful of amazing bootl…um, unreleased live recordings from this period where Taylor is just on fire! Maybe the band will eventually get around to releasing these as part of their Stones Archives series.

Taylor left the Stones in late 1974. While reasons were never officially declared, it was often said that tensions between he and Keith Richards, as well as the overall lifestyle, wore him down. Taylor has continued to play music to this day, joining up with his old band mates in 2010 to add guitar tracks to previously unissued tracks on the deluxe edition of ‘Exile on Main Street.’

Richards has been musing in the press recently about inviting Taylor to perform with the band as part of whatever celebrations (if any) take place to mark the Stones’ 50th anniversary. If that happens, maybe we can help them decide which songs to play by choosing the best Stones songs from the Taylor era – make your choice below!

Best Mick Taylor Rolling Stones Song
Filed Under: ,

Charlie Watts Ready For Rolling Stones Tour...

Charlie Watts - Charlie Watts Ready For Rolling Stones Tour

09 January 2012 16:18:45
Charlie (L), Mick And Keith (R) picture

Charlie Watts Ready For Rolling Stones Tour












Charlie Watts wants to celebrate The Rolling Stones' 50th anniversary by staging a tour later this year.

Charlie Watts is ready to tour with The Rolling Stones' to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

The drummer is keen to reunite with bandmates Sir Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards for their milestone year in 2012, although he admits logistically it could be a problem.

He said: "It would be lovely to do some shows because it will be fifty years.

"Ronnie plays, I still play, Mick sings, he can do it anyway, I think Keith is doing some records.

"Anyway it would be great if we did, we are just getting to an age where it's getting a bit difficult to get it together and it's such a bloody performance getting us together."

Charlie also claimed the reason the band has lasted so long is because no one wants to be the person who breaks up the group.

He explained to radio station BBC 6 Music: "I think no one wants to quit because the others will say 'you quit'."

While Keith has long said he, Charlie and Ronnie are keen to mark a half century since the legendary group began, Mick has played down rumours they will stage any concerts, although he reportedly attended meetings to discuss how they should approach the milestone.

Keith said: "I don't see why in the world the Stones can't put together some kind of show next year. I'd almost count on it. It doesn't have to be the whole spectacle bull***t again, but we've got to find our own way through this."

Mick released a self titled debut album with his supergroup Superheavy last Septemb


***THANKS TO 'CONTACMUSIC.COM'***

Jade Jagger - Jade Jagger: Parents Are My Icons

11 January 2012 16:01:47
Jade Jagger picture

Jade Jagger: Parents Are My Icons












Jade Jagger's icons are her parents, Sir Mick Jagger and his ex-wife Bianca Jagger, and says she didn't need any others when growing up.

Jade Jagger's icons are her parents.

The 39-year-old designer - daughter of Rolling Stone legend Sir Mick Jagger and his ex-wife Bianca Jagger - says there's no need for her to look up to anyone else because of the family she was born into.

She said: "I really hate it when people ask me who my icons are - when your parents are Bianca and Mick you don't really need any more icons in your life."

Jade says she loved her upbringing as she got to hang out with so many inspirational people.

She told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "Until my early teens I lived with my mother in New York and I spent a lot of time in the company of her friends, mostly artists and designers, such as Andy Warhol, Ross Bleckner and Francesco Clemente, none of whom had kids, so I was like their shared child. I always felt quite proud to be the only child in that group. I had a lot of attention and a lot of people passing down their little goujons of knowledge to me, which was quite exciting. It was quite cute to be the mascot and to have all those mentors."

***THANKS TO CONTACTMUSIC.COM***



Saturday, January 7, 2012

Keith Richards had eye surgery to correct his vision...



Keith Richards had eye surgery to correct his vision

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards underwent laser surgery on his eyes in late December 2011, so he would not have to wear glasses or contact lenses.

According to the Daily Mirror:

The legendary Rolling Stones guitarist had the treatment done at a London clinic before Christmas to celebrate his 68th birthday.

It’s understood it took about 15 minutes and means he doesn’t need specs. The laser surgery reshapes the cornea surface.

A source said: “He’s music’s ultimate survivor but not even the seemingly immortal Keith ­Richards can stop the march of time. It was a harmless, quick procedure and he’s very happy with the results.”

A friend said Keef wore an eyepatch after the op, making him look like a ­character from film Pirates of the Caribbean which he starred in.

The rocker is no stranger to surgery. He had an operation for a fractured skull after falling out of a tree on a 2006 holiday in Fiji.