THE ROLLING STONES
Formed in London in 1962, The Rolling Stones are the longest-running active rock institution in history. Expanding from gritty rhythm-and-blues roots into global stadium icons, the band has produced decades of acclaimed studio albums, concert films, books, and multimedia experiences.
Cronologia
Panoramica
The Rolling Stones are a legendary English rock band formed in London in May 1962 by multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones, vocalist Mick Jagger, guitarist Keith Richards, pianist Ian Stewart, bassist Dick Taylor, and drummer Tony Chapman.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, the group evolved from a blues cover outfit into a monumental global entertainment franchise. Their primary lineup stabilized with bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts, later integrating guitarists Mick Taylor and Ronnie Wood.
With a massive discography boasting iconic studio albums from 1964's self-titled debut to 2023's critically acclaimed *Hackney Diamonds*, the franchise encompasses live concert films, groundbreaking IMAX releases, archival audio series, interactive CD-ROM video games, and official hardcover books. Managed under Universal Music Group in the modern era, the band continues to command global stadium tours such as the *Hackney Diamonds Tour* (2024–2025), remaining an active creative and commercial powerhouse.
Origini
The franchise began in the London club circuit in May 1962 when Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and their original lineup coalesced around a shared passion for American rhythm-and-blues.
In 1963, they released their debut single—a cover of Chuck Berry's "Come On"—and officially welcomed Charlie Watts on drums.
After releasing several early UK and US albums throughout 1964 and 1965, the band broke through internationally with hit singles like "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", "Get Off of My Cloud", and "Paint It, Black". The 1966 release of *Aftermath* marked a major milestone as their first album composed entirely of original Jagger/Richards songs. This formative period established their enduring counterculture image as rock's ultimate bad boys, setting the stage for their golden era in the late 1960s and 1970s.
Personaggi
I PEZZI DI THE ROLLING STONES
Collezionismo
For physical media and music collectors, The Rolling Stones franchise offers a wealth of highly sought-after artifacts spanning vinyl, publishing, and archival releases. A crown jewel among vinyl collectors is the original 1971 pressing of *Sticky Fingers*, featuring the iconic Andy Warhol-designed cover with a real working metal zipper.
Beyond vintage vinyl, collectors target high-end print publications like the official 50th-anniversary hardcover photo book *The Rolling Stones: 50*, published by Thames & Hudson in 2012. The band's extensive catalog curation also includes physical releases under their *From the Vault* live archival series. Fans and collectors have also engaged with the band's tangible history through *The Rolling Stones: UNZIP*, a global exhibition showcasing interactive stage costumes, historical gear, and rare artifacts from six decades of rock royalty.
Curiosità
• Artist Andy Warhol designed the iconic vinyl cover for the band's 1971 album *Sticky Fingers*, complete with a working zipper. • Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese directed the band's 2008 concert documentary *Shine a Light*.
• The 1966 album *Aftermath* was the band's very first release to consist entirely of original Mick Jagger and Keith Richards compositions. • Following the passing of long-time drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, Steve Jordan joined the band as permanent drummer with Watts's blessing. • Acclaimed filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard directed the 1968 film *Sympathy for the Devil*, blending political commentary with studio footage of the band.
Film
• **Sympathy for the Devil** (1968): Jean-Luc Godard film combining studio recording sessions with political essay. • **Stones in the Park** (1969): Documentary capturing the band's historic free concert in Hyde Park. • **Ladies and Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones** (1972): Concert film recorded during the 1972 North American Tour.
• **Let's Spend the Night Together** (1981): Concert film directed by Hal Ashby documenting their stadium tour. • **At the Max** (1991): Pioneering concert film shot and released in high-format IMAX. • **Shine a Light** (2008): Feature-length concert film and documentary directed by Martin Scorsese. • **Crossfire Hurricane** (2012): 50th-anniversary documentary directed by Brett Morgen covering their rise to 1972. • **The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé!: A Trip Across Latin America** (2016): Documentary covering their historic Latin American tour.
Serie TV
• **From the Vault Series** (Ongoing): Archival live performance video series detailing iconic concert stops across the band's multi-decade touring history.
Videogiochi
• **The Rolling Stones: Voodoo Lounge** (1994): Interactive CD-ROM multimedia game released for PC and Macintosh systems.
Libri & Fumetti
• **The Rolling Stones: 50** (2012): Official hardcover 50th-anniversary celebration photo book published by Thames & Hudson.
