December 6: A Day In Rolling Stones History
Considering their decades-long career, it’s not surprising that some major events in Rolling Stones history may fall on the same date, but December 6 marks the anniversary of three very…
Considering their decades-long career, it’s not surprising that some major events in Rolling Stones history may fall on the same date, but December 6 marks the anniversary of three very important moments.
1968 – Release of Beggars Banquet
This album kicked off one of the greatest sequences of albums (followed by Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St.) in all of rock and roll. It also marked the Stones’ return to their rock roots (“Sympathy for the Devil,” “Street Fighting Man”) after experimenting with more psychedelic sounds.
1969 – Altamont
The Altamont Speedway Free Festival kicked off just one day after the release of Let It Bleed. The chaotic concert that infamously featured the Hells Angels as security resulted in countless injuries and four deaths, including the stabbing death of 18-year-old Meredith Hunter by Hells Angel Alan Passaro.
1970 – Release of documentary Gimme Shelter
Taking its name from the opening track to Let It Bleed, Gimme Shelter chronicled the ill-fated Altamont Speedway Free Festival and its fallout. Multiple members of the camera crew even captured Hunter’s death, which was then shown in the film. Mick Jagger was also shown watching the footage and is by far one of the most chilling moments in any documentary.
With nine tracks clocking in just over 42 minutes, The Rolling Stones’ Let It Bleed was the sound of the band signing off from the 1960s in all of their dark, lusty glory and the first album released since the sudden passing of Brian Jones.
More importantly, Let It Bleed helps pave the way for a new era for The Rolling Stones and the creation of two more masterpiece albums in the next three years. A near-flawless gem itself, here's every track ranked from Let It Bleed in honor of its anniversary.
9. “Country Honk”
J. Wilds/Keystone/Getty Images13th June 1969: 20-year-old Mick Taylor, former lead guitarist of the John Mayall rhythm and blues group replaces Brian Jones as the new member of the Rolling Stones. The group pose in Hyde Park, London - (from left to right) Charlie Watts, Mick Taylor, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Bill Wyman. (Photo by J. Wilds/Keystone/Getty Images)
8. “You Got The Silver”
McCarthy/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesRolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards amongst the crowd during the Isle of Wight Festival, 31st August 1969. (Photo by McCarthy/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
7. “Monkey Man”
William Lovelace/Express/Getty Images15th December 1969: The Rolling Stones in rehearsal for a concert at the Saville Theatre, London. Left to right : Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards and Bill Wyman. (Photo by William Lovelace/Express/Getty Images)
6. “Live With Me”
Len Trievnor/Express/Getty Images14th June 1969: British rock band the Rolling Stones in 1969, after the death of founder member Brian Jones. They are, from left to right; drummer Charlie Watts, new member guitarist Mick Taylor, vocalist Mick Jagger, guitarist Keith Richards and bass player Bill Wyman. (Photo by Len Trievnor/Express/Getty Images)
5. “Love In Vain”
Reg Burkett/Express/Getty Images5th July 1969: Vocalist Mick Jagger and guitarist Mick Taylor in concert with the Rolling Stones in London's Hyde Park. The free outdoor concert was a tribute to recently deceased band member Brian Jones. (Photo by Reg Burkett/Express/Getty Images)
4. “Midnight Rambler”
Reg Burkett/Express/Getty Images5th July 1969: British rock singer Mick Jagger, performing with The Rolling Stones, at the free open-air concert in Hyde Park given in memory of guitarist Brian Jones who died two days earlier. (Photo by Reg Burkett/Express/Getty Images)
3. “Let It Bleed”
C. Maher/Express/Getty Images21st December 1969: Singer Mick Jagger of British rock group the Rolling Stones on stage at London's Lyceum Ballroom. (Photo by C. Maher/Express/Getty Images)
2. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
Reg Burkett/Express/Getty Images5th July 1969: Singer Mick Jagger reads a passage from Shelley's 'Adonis', in memory of recently deceased colleague Brian Jones (1942 - 1969), before their band the Rolling Stones perform a free concert at London's Hyde Park. (Photo by Reg Burkett/Express/Getty Images)
1. “Gimme Shelter”
William Lovelace/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesMick Jagger performing with the Rolling Stones at the Saville Theatre, London, 15th December 1969. (Photo by William Lovelace/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
