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Origins and Formation

The Rolling Stones emerged in London in 1962, founded by childhood friends Mick Jagger and Keith Richards alongside Brian Jones, Ian Stewart, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts. Inspired by American blues and R&B, they pioneered the British Invasion with raw, rebellious energy that contrasted sharply with contemporaries like The Beatles.

Original Members

The classic lineup featured:

- Mick Jagger (lead vocals)

- Keith Richards (guitar)

- Brian Jones (guitar/harmonica)

- Bill Wyman (bass)

- Charlie Watts (drums)

Ian Stewart (piano) was an unofficial sixth member until his death in 1985. Jones' innovative musicianship shaped their early sound but substance abuse led to his departure in June 1969.

Key Lineup Changes

After Brian Jones' drowning in July 1969, guitarist Mick Taylor joined, contributing to seminal albums like 'Sticky Fingers' (1971). Taylor left in 1974 and was replaced by Ronnie Wood, who solidified the core trio with Jagger and Richards. Bassist Bill Wyman departed in 1993, with Darryl Jones becoming the touring bassist thereafter.

Current Members

As of 2025, the band consists of:

- Mick Jagger (vocals)

- Keith Richards (guitar)

- Ronnie Wood (guitar)

Following Charlie Watts' death in 2021, Steve Jordan became the primary drummer. Touring members include Darryl Jones (bass) and Chuck Leavell (keyboards).

Musical Legacy and Impact

Dubbed 'The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World,' the Stones have released 30 studio albums, selling over 240 million records. Their blues-infused rock birthed timeless hits like '(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,' 'Paint It Black,' and 'Angie.' Their 60-year career features record-breaking tours, including the highest-grossing tour of the 2000s.

• Brian Jones was found dead in his swimming pool weeks after leaving the band; coroners ruled 'death by misadventure' linked to drugs and alcohol.
• Keith Richards survived a 1977 Toronto heroin bust that could have led to life imprisonment; he later quipped, 'I snorted my father’s ashes.'
• Mick Taylor's abrupt 1974 exit stemmed from creative friction; he later admitted regretting leaving 'the best job I ever had.'
• Charlie Watts, a jazz enthusiast, served as the band's rhythmic anchor for 58 years but almost missed a 1986 tour to design a car chassis.
• The Stones' 1969 Altamont concert, where a fan was murdered by Hells Angels security, became a symbol of the 1960s' dark turn.