Well they started out in the Deep South Thames Delta as a Blues/R&B band – my old stompin’ ground. I lived ten miles away from where the Yardbirds and Stones used to trade riffs (not on the same night) in Richmond! I was a shade too young!
As a young kid I did buy all the singles and albums as they came out and still have them all. At the age of fourteen I was already into the blues and familiar with the likes of Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. It was great to hear the Stones doing such great covers of stuff like I Just Want to Make Love To You, I Can’t Be Satisfied and Little Red Rooster.
As the Stones progressed they went through a number of style changes – from Pop, Soul, Tamla and Reggae to Rock – but the Blues underpinned it all.
Live they were one of the best bands around. Jagger was, and is, amazing – athletic and a fantastic showman, Charlie keeps a superb rhythm and base with that jazz-inspired economy and Keith is the ultimate poser – nobody makes better shapes and riffs.
I’ve seen them a number of times, including Hyde Park with the genius of Mick Taylor.
I guess Exile is my favourite album but it’s a tough call!
Anyway – today is Stones day!