The Rolling Stones

Forming in 1962 in England, The Rolling Stones and their British contemporaries created a cultural movement that dominated the 1960s. With a blend of blues, rock 'n' roll, and, briefly, psychedelia, the Stones released international hits such as "Paint It Black" "Heart of Stone", and "(I can't get no) Satisfaction" to massive popular acclaim. If The Beatles were the loveable moptops, then the Stones were the bad boys of rock.

Spanning the years where the 60s morphed into the 70s, the band released an incredible sequence of albums: Beggar's Banquet / Let It Bleed / Sticky Fingers / Exile On Main Street. It is a sequence almost unparalleled in rock. The 1980s were a mixed bag for fans of Mick, Keith and the  lads, but there are highlights, including Emotional Rescue and Tatoo You.

In the 21st century The Rolling Stones remain one of the biggest names in rock and continue to influence and inspire the music world. Their 2023 album Hackney Diamonds－released some sixty years after the band formed!－was received with great enthusiasm around the world. The Stones are, without doubt, one of the greatest bands of all time.

Our recommendations: Aftermath, Beggar's Banquet, Exile On Main Street. If the Stones catalogue seems a little daunting, there are many excellent compilations available, including the fabulous multi-LP set HONK and the double LP Hot Rocks.