When discussing the British Invasion and its impact on America, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones often dominate the conversation.
However, Andrew Loog Oldham, the Stones’ former manager, argues that acts like the Dave Clark Five and Herman’s Hermits were just as pivotal during that era.
Despite this, The Rolling Stones have endured as one of the greatest bands of all time. What’s their secret?
Several factors contribute to the Rolling Stones’ lasting success. They craft exceptional music and boast an outstanding stage presence, but the band’s colorful personalities play a significant role in their fame.
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were notorious for their wild antics and controversies, making them inescapable figures in rock culture.
Their personas added depth to their music. While many rock bands sang about drugs, sex, and rock ‘n’ roll, the Rolling Stones lived that lifestyle openly.
Their on-stage performances mirrored their off-stage exploits, which fueled their mystique. Rumors about Jagger’s romantic escapades became part of his allure, with fans both captivated and wary of his charisma.
One notable incident occurred during the filming of the 1970 movie Performance, where Jagger starred alongside Anita Pallenberg, Richards’ girlfriend at the time.
While Richards had no issue with their collaboration, he became furious when rumors spread that the sex scenes between Jagger and Pallenberg were real.
Richards was so upset that he refused to collaborate with Jagger on a song for the film’s soundtrack, “Memo From Turner.”
This rift nearly brought the Rolling Stones to a breaking point, as the duo’s songwriting partnership faced serious strain.
It wasn’t until the film’s co-director, Donal Cammell, intervened and helped shape the lyrics that they managed to resolve their differences and complete the song.
Whether the rumors of an authentic sex scene are true remains uncertain, but they add to the mystique surrounding Jagger and the Rolling Stones.
Despite being an unconventional actor, Jagger’s performance in Performance contributed to the complex narrative of the band’s legacy and the undeniable allure that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
