The Rolling Stones began as a group of young blues enthusiasts in London, united by a love for American R&B. In 1961, guitarist Brian Jones, pianist Ian Stewart, and guitarist Keith Richards met singer Mick Jagger at London’s Ealing Club, where Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated was a fixture. Jagger and Richards were childhood friends from Dartford, Kent, and shared a passion for Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Howlin’ Wolf. By 1962, the lineup included drummer Charlie Watts (formerly with Alexis Korner) and bassist Bill Wyman. Stewart, though considered an official member, was moved to a behind-the-scenes role due to his look not fitting the band’s image. The name “The Rolling Stones” came from a Muddy Waters song - fitting for a band determined to bring gritty, electric blues to a wider audience. The Stones’ early setlists were dominated by blues and R&B covers. Their first single, a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Come On” (1963), made the UK charts but didn’t hint at the revolution to come. With manager Andrew Loog Oldham steering them toward an image as the dangerous, rebellious foil to The Beatles, the Stones cultivated an anti-establishment persona. Their breakthrough came in 1965 with “The Last Time” (their first major self-penned hit) and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” - a fuzz-toned anthem of frustration that became a worldwide smash and an enduring rock classic. They were now a central part of the British Invasion, touring internationally and stirring controversy with their look, attitude, and suggestive lyrics. From the mid-to-late 1960s, Jagger & Richards emerged as one of rock’s great songwriting duos. Albums like “Aftermath” (1966), “Between the Buttons” (1967), and “Beggars Banquet” (1968) saw them moving beyond blues into folk, psychedelia, and country influences. Key hits from this era “Paint It Black”, “Ruby Tuesday”, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, “Sympathy for the Devil” - cemented their reputation. Yet the decade closed in turmoil: founding member Brian Jones, increasingly isolated and troubled, left the band in June 1969 and drowned less than a month later. He was replaced by young virtuoso Mick Taylor. With Taylor aboard, the Stones entered a creative peak. “Let It Bleed” (1969), “Sticky Fingers” (1971), and “Exile on Main Street” (1972) remain touchstones of rock - raw, swaggering, and soaked in blues, soul, and country grit. Their 1969 U.S. tour, documented on “Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!”, set new standards for arena rock. However, the free concert at Altamont Speedway in December 1969 - marred by violence and the death of a fan - became a symbol of the darker side of the rock & roll dream. By the mid 1970s, with “Goats Head Soup” (1973) and “It’s Only Rock ’n Roll” (1974), the band remained commercially strong, though Taylor’s departure in 1974 ended a distinctive era. Guitarist Ronnie Wood, formerly of The Faces, joined in 1975 and became a permanent fixture. The Stones toured relentlessly, staging massive, elaborate shows that set the blueprint for modern rock tours. Albums like “Black & Blue” (1976), “Some Girls” (1978), and “Tattoo You” (1981) produced hits such as “Miss You” and “Start Me Up” that kept them in the charts despite the rise of punk, disco, and new wave. The 1981–1982 “Tattoo You” world tour was one of the largest and most lucrative in history at the time, captured in the film “Let’s Spend the Night Together”. The 1980s brought internal tensions, solo projects, and mixed critical reception with “Undercover” (1983) and “Dirty Work” (1986). Yet they rebounded with “Steel Wheels” (1989) and a massive reunion tour, reasserting their dominance as stadium rock kings. Through the 21st century, The Rolling Stones have remained a touring powerhouse, often billed as “The Greatest Rock & Roll Band in the World”. Their setlists still blend early blues roots with the anthems that made them legends. Tragedy struck in 2021 with the death of Charlie Watts at age 80, ending one of rock’s longest-running musical partnerships. The Stones continued, with drummer Steve Jordan stepping in, and in 2023 they released “Hackney Diamonds”, their first album of original material in 18 years. The Rolling Stones’ career spans over 60 years - a feat unmatched in rock history. From rebellious blues purists to global cultural icons, they’ve influenced every generation of rock musicians. Their blend of grit, style, and showmanship redefined what it means to be a rock band. “We don’t plan on stopping. Why would we?” - Keith Richards