Earlier this week, I gave four reasons why the Rolling Stones are still the most important and influential rock band in the world. Here are my OTHER four reasons why I have spent thousands of hours defending them, and thousands of pounds watching them perform all over the world. PLUS, 10 unforgivable Downers...
'Paint It, Black' has been my favourite record since I was eleven. It's a passionate love affair which has consumed more of my time and energy than is mentally healthy but despite their lack of musical edge in recent years; despite small fortunes now charged for tickets and special remastered albums; even despite Mick accepting a knighthood; I figure they are worth it. Here's why.
Jim Marshall's photos of perhaps the most celebrated rock tour in history remind us of what made the Stones special in the first place. While nothing harder than a bottle of Jack Daniels is actually on display, dark shadows of heroin loom over shots of Keith nodding out over his guitar and some of Mick's wired facial grimaces scream cocaine.
But how many of the geriatric set pushing 70 can still do what they do? With four sold-out shows in Newark and London, they're rumored to be planning a world tour tour next year, dubbed 'GRRRR! 50 and Counting'? You've got to hand it to the Rolling Stones, even if their motivation these days more likely is money for their families than creating great music.