The average lifespan of a rock band can be measured not in years, but months. Which is why the Rolling Stones—officially now a trio consisting of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ron Wood, three men all pushing 80—is not only The World’s Greatest Rock Band (just like they always claimed), but also the last group of its kind that we may ever see again. In their 60th year in existence, the Stones continue to roll. How is it all possible? Much of the credit should go to Jagger and Richards, perhaps the most underrated creative duo in rock history. All fans should take a moment to appreciate the achievements and history-making memories that Mick and Keith continue to deliver without an end in sight. You can’t always get what you want. But we still have the Rolling Stones. What more could you possibly need?
INTRODUCTION ONLY ROCK ’N’ ROLL?
1 TWO FRIENDS • The Beatles weren’t the only band whose greatest triumphs—and most difficult challenges—tracked with the ups and downs of a complicated friendship
LOOKING BACK
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
2 GET OFF OF MY CLOUD • The Rolling Stones skyrocketed to stardom in their early years. But by the end of their first decade together, the band—and the members—started to unravel
MILESTONES 1962-72
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
3 IT’S ONLY ROCK ’N’ ROLL • By the late 1960s, Keith Richards was self-destructing, and his growing addiction to heroin was further complicating matters with the band
MILESTONES 1972-82
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
4 MIXED EMOTIONS • The 1980s brought more lineup changes to the band, some members explored solo work, and the decade further marked the dissolution of Mick and Keith’s friendship
MILESTONES 1982-92
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
5 LOVE IS STRONG • Four decades in, the Rolling Stones were a touring force with more live shows than ever, churning out hard-driving rock and refusing to be seen as a nostalgia act
MILESTONES 1992-02
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
6 DANCING IN THE LIGHT • In the early 2000s, the Stones survived cancer and catastrophe and seemed to be unstoppable. Their primary focus during this time: secure the band’s legacy
MILESTONES 2002-12
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
7 ONE MORE SHOT • By the beginning of their 50th year together, the Stones were as recognizable and more financially successful than they’d been at their artistic peak in the ’60s and ’70s
MILESTONES 2012-22
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
8 LEGACY • Few bands have experienced the longevity that the Rolling Stones have enjoyed. After 60 years together, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards carry on
MILESTONES 1962-2022
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Mick & Keith and 60 Years of the Rolling Stones
