Time Machine Tuesday - The Rolling Stones

For this week's Time Machine Tuesday, we thought we would pay homage to one of the greatest English rock bands to emerge from the UK in history, The Rolling Stones. In light of the recent news that frontman Mick Jagger is having to undergo heart surgery, the band's US tour has been postponed, much to the bands regret. It’s remarkable that the band are still touring with the same energy and gumption as if it was their first time performing live, which is what makes The Rolling Stones so legendary, and the reason why we have dedicated this week to celebrating them.

The Rolling Stones. Picture taken in 1965.

The band first came into the spotlight in 1962, when performing their first UK tour after just a couple of small gigs in London. The band quickly drew attention, and became signed with Decca Records in 1963, the same record company which had declined a deal with The Beatles months before. The bands success was to be rivalled with The Beatles for most of their career, with The Rolling Stones being branded as the nasty version of the four-piece pop sensation.

The Rolling Stones however didn’t need to make much of an effort to stand out from the rest. Their ‘bad boy’ reputation was expressed in every element of their work, from their image, to the lyrics in their songs, to their electric and eccentric performances. The band had a mixed reception when they crossed the pond to perform in America, with teenage girls almost losing their minds in adoration, and conservatives complaining about the lude music being played on national television.

Fans of the band welcome The Rolling Stones to Norway in 1964.

But the bands reputation wasn’t just kept for the stage. On multiple occasions the band members were found with class A drugs and various substances whilst on tour and attending parties. This reckless lifestyle wasn’t without its dangers, and it unfortunately claimed the life of the band's founder Brian Jones, at the age of 27. The band were due to perform at a festival in Hyde Park two days later, which fans assumed they would cancel because of the circumstances. Instead, the band played the festival as a tribute to Jones, and released several hundred white butterflies into the crowd.

The band has an impressive discography to match their long and legendary career. Their last album was recorded only three years ago, and featured covers of inspirational musicians such as Little Walter and Willie Dixon. One of the bands biggest influences was Chuck Berry, a pioneer in rock & roll, and his song “Come On” was covered by the Rolling Stones as their debut single to their career. The band have not only honoured the rock legend, but carried on in his footsteps in order to carry on the legacy of British rock & roll.

The remaining members, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood, ranging from the ages of 71 and 77 continue to tour and perform their infamous hits across the world. Despite their rollercoaster of a career, the band still represent the British rock scene in the most awe-inspiring of ways and carry the same bad boy energy as they did when they were in their early twenties. The Rolling Stones, we salute you, and we hope Mick Jagger has a speedy recovery following heart surgery.