Countless books rehash the same old stuff about the Stones-the veteran stadium rock band.
This book deals with another band which, though the name was the same, had a very different attitude and played completely different music. It wasn't just that the linchpin of the original Rolling Stones of the Sixties was master musician Brian Jones. Beyond that, their great songwriters, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, were entirely different people from what they later became. Their real personalities are revealed only in the lyrics of these early songs.
The original Rolling Stones, promoted by their Russian-born manager, Giorgio Gomelsky, began as a rhythm and blues band playing brilliantly innovative reinterpretations of R&B classics.
Yet the zenith of their achievement came in a series of progressive pop singles and in the 'Aftermath' sessions, helmed by American arranger Jack Nitzsche. This music seemed to have faded into obscurity before it resurfaced on YouTube along with archive footage of the Rolling Stones as they looked when young. Clocking up many millions of views it remains as fresh and vibrant today-unlike their dated rock hits- as when it was first recorded.
Detested by the Establishment, the original Rolling Stones were brought down by corrupt cops bent on drug busts. Except for Jones-fatally illl with only months to live- they revived. But they'd become a different band, playing hard rock in giant arenas.
The secret history of the original Rolling Stones is a compelling story of conflict and betrayal set in a London where the sexual revolution was in full swing. Their music not only commented on Sixties society but helped to change it.

" A very entertaining and illuminating new book for anyone wanting to know how The Stones grew from being early sixties blues crusaders to become what they are today." Laurence Todd review in 'RAMzine.'