By ETT 
The Enduring Magic of The Rolling Stones: A Reflection on Brotherhood and Musical Evolution
The Rolling Stones, a name synonymous with rock and roll, have weathered countless storms and lineup changes throughout their illustrious career. At the heart of their enduring appeal lies a complex and fascinating dynamic, a musical brotherhood forged in the crucible of creativity and compromise. Keith Richards, the band’s legendary guitarist, has always understood the delicate balance that holds the Stones together. He recognizes that while any lineup can produce music, something truly special is lost when a member departs. The magic, as he sees it, resides in the unique interplay between individuals, the way they challenge and inspire each other to reach new heights.
For the vast majority of the public, the core of The Rolling Stones has always been the partnership between Keith Richards and Mick Jagger. Theirs is a bond that transcends mere collaboration; it’s a deep-seated brotherhood built on years of shared experience and mutual respect. Richards typically lays the groundwork for their songs, crafting the riffs and melodies that form the foundation, while Jagger adds his lyrical genius and charismatic vocals. This symbiotic relationship has been the driving force behind some of the most iconic songs in rock history. Even on their more recent album, Hackney Diamonds, the undeniable camaraderie between Richards and Jagger shines through, a testament to their enduring connection.
The absence of Charlie Watts on the entire record of Hackney Diamonds is, of course, deeply felt. However, Steve Jordan, his replacement, has proven to be an exceptional fit, seamlessly integrating into the band’s rhythm section. Jordan’s deep understanding of Richards’ playing style has allowed him to capture the essence of Watts’ contribution while adding his own unique flair. Yet, beyond the rhythm section, the guitars remain the defining characteristic of The Rolling Stones’ sound. The story of the band is intricately woven with the contributions of its guitarists, each bringing their own distinct voice to the mix.
Brian Jones: The Founder with a Vision
Brian Jones, the band’s original leader, played a pivotal role in shaping The Rolling Stones’ early identity. He was the one who christened the band with its now-iconic name and curated many of their early cover songs. However, as the dynamic between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards – the ‘Glimmer Twins’ – began to dominate the band’s direction, Jones felt increasingly marginalized. His vision for the band clashed with the evolving sound, leading to his eventual departure. Jones’ exit marked the first significant disruption to the band’s musical brotherhood, a loss that reverberated through their future endeavors.
Jones’ departure marked a turning point for the Stones. While his contributions were undeniable, the band needed to evolve. As the ‘Glimmer Twins’ took the helm, their creative energies intertwined, forging a new path for the band. Richards, with his gritty, blues-infused riffs, and Jagger, with his flamboyant stage presence and insightful lyrics, became the faces of the band. Their dynamic, a combination of collaboration and creative friction, would define The Rolling Stones for decades to come. It was from this core that new sounds and creative directions were born.
As the band navigated the changing currents of the music industry, the ‘Glimmer Twins’ steered the ship. Their combined talents, along with the contributions of the other members, propelled The Rolling Stones to unprecedented levels of success. The band’s ability to adapt and evolve while retaining their core identity is a testament to the strength of their musical brotherhood. Through lineup changes, personal struggles, and the ever-shifting landscape of popular music, The Rolling Stones have remained a force to be reckoned with, a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and the unwavering pursuit of musical excellence.
Mick Taylor: A Shot of Adrenaline
Mick Taylor’s arrival injected a fresh dose of energy into The Rolling Stones. While possessing a different style than Jones, Taylor brought a fluidity and technical prowess to the band’s sound. He was unlike Jones and more of a free spirit with great talent. The albums that followed Taylor’s arrival, including classics like Exile on Main St. and Sticky Fingers, captured the raw, improvisational energy of the band in their prime. Songs like ‘Monkey Man’ and ‘Moonlight Mile’ showcased Taylor’s soaring guitar leads and the band’s ability to create a relentless groove.
Taylor’s contributions to The Rolling Stones’ sound were undeniable. His guitar work added a new dimension to the band’s music, pushing them to explore new sonic territories. Richards, who had previously handled most of the lead guitar duties, welcomed Taylor’s talent and embraced the opportunity to collaborate. The interplay between Richards’ rhythm guitar and Taylor’s lead lines became a signature element of the band’s sound during this period. The ‘Glimmer Twins’ were still the driving force, but Taylor was the spark that added new fire.
But like all great things, Taylor’s time with the Stones was destined to come to an end. What he brought to the band during his tenure was what many feel was missed after he left. The style of music he played and the freedom he had with his leads made the overall sound of The Rolling Stones a more complete and energetic one.
Ronnie Wood: The Ever-Reliable Bandmate
Ronnie Wood stepped in after Taylor’s departure and has been a mainstay of The Rolling Stones ever since. While Richards appreciates Wood’s contributions, he has often pondered what might have been had Taylor stayed with the band. “His touch and his tone and his melodic ideas wow me,” Richards has said of Taylor. “I never understood why he left. He’s always been a little restless and a little uneasy inside his skin. If he had to leave, I’d always hoped it would be to go on to bigger and better things than he did. I thought it was an impetuous move. But that’s what happened, and then we got Ronnie.”
Wood’s arrival brought a different dynamic to the band. While Taylor was known for his technical prowess and improvisational style, Wood brought a more blues-oriented approach to his playing. He seamlessly integrated into the band’s sound, providing a solid foundation for Richards’ rhythm guitar and adding his own unique flavor to their songs. Wood has done a fantastic job of holding down the fort, but it’s hard not to wonder what could have been. Certain songs never sounded quite as good as they did with Taylor on lead, a testament to his unique contribution to the band’s sound.
Richards’ playing style is anything but regimented, and he was never more freewheeling than on songs like ‘Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’,’ where Taylor took the lead. It’s hard to claim ownership over someone who doesn’t want to be in a band with you, but Richards’ regret doesn’t stem from a desire to restrict Taylor’s creativity. Rather, it comes from a deep appreciation for the unique musical connection they shared. Taylor served his purpose as one of the fine guitarists to join the ranks of The Stones, but no musician is ever going to forget the way you made them feel during those few years.
The Enduring Legacy of The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones’ journey has been one of constant evolution, marked by both triumphs and tribulations. Through lineup changes and personal challenges, the band has persevered, driven by the unwavering bond between its members and their shared passion for music. While the contributions of each member are unique and valuable, the heart of the band has always been the ‘Glimmer Twins’, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Their creative partnership, forged in the fires of collaboration and compromise, has produced some of the most iconic songs in rock history.
The departure of Brian Jones and Mick Taylor, while undoubtedly significant, ultimately paved the way for new chapters in the band’s story. Mick Taylor injected a fresh dose of energy into the band’s sound, pushing them to explore new sonic territories. His technical prowess and improvisational style added a new dimension to their music, leaving an indelible mark on their classic albums. Ronnie Wood, the ever-reliable bandmate, has provided a solid foundation for the band’s sound since Taylor’s departure. His blues-oriented approach and seamless integration into the band have ensured their continued success.
Through it all, The Rolling Stones have remained a force to be reckoned with, a testament to the enduring power of musical brotherhood. Their ability to adapt and evolve while retaining their core identity has allowed them to transcend generations and remain relevant in an ever-changing music landscape. As Keith Richards himself has acknowledged, the magic of The Rolling Stones lies in the unique interplay between its members, the way they challenge and inspire each other to reach new heights. And as long as that brotherhood endures, The Rolling Stones will continue to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the world of rock and roll.