The famous British group, which has been operating for over 60 years, is one of the few that have existed for so long. Although the Rolling Stones celebrated extraordinary success with 240 million albums sold worldwide, their path was also marked by numerous excesses and significant setbacks. In his biography, author Louis Bousquet traces the rivalries, conflicts, pitfalls and dependencies that the group's members have faced over the years.
Addictions and setbacks are common in the world of the Rolling Stones, but it wasn't enough for them to be shunned by the public.
On the contrary: the fans have remained loyal to the legendary group, which has delivered numerous sold-out performances for decades.
Despite their age (Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are 80 years old), the group's members are strong and, despite various health problems, have no intention of quitting.
In 1962 the group took shape and the first show was presented in a modest venue in London.
The group then consists of the two main founders Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, two childhood friends, as well as Brian Jones, Ian Stewart, Dick Taylor and Mick Avory.
From 1963 onwards, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger wrote their own songs, which contributed to the group's rise. They are the ones who become the leaders of the Stones.
Photo provided by Éditions Bouquins
From 1965 onwards they gained worldwide fame with the song “(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction”.
Gigantic world tours multiply and recognition comes quite quickly. The Stones are considered by many to be the greatest rock band of all time.
There are riots everywhere and people are getting injured.
Not to mention the vandalism in the rooms where they perform.
As if anything goes with the Stones.
There will be departures and deaths within the group, so that today there are only three of the Rolling Stones.
Singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards remained with the group from the start, while guitarist Ron Wood joined the group in 1975.
The Stones made money, a lot of money. In this most comprehensive biography, we learn that the world tour “A Bigger Bang Tour” grossed US$745.4 million ($558.8 million) from 2005 to 2007.
The Stones typically receive a fee of US$6.7 million ($5 million) per concert. Mick Jagger's fortune alone is worth more than $667 million in addition to his music rights.
The famous musician has allowed himself to purchase several residences, including a house in a suburb of London, another in New York, one in Richmond, Virginia, two in the Caribbean on Mustique Island and an imposing castle in France.
difficulties
If Mick Jagger likes luxury, Keith Richards prefers heroin.
Keith Richards' drug addiction has led to more than one arrest for heroin possession and even incarceration. Keith also had to cope with the death of his young son.
One of the group's first difficulties occurred in 1967, when Brian Jones fell deeper into drug abuse and had to be hospitalized. We then decide to show him the exit and he excludes himself. A month later he was found dead in his swimming pool. He was only 27 years old.
In 2019, singer Mick Jagger had to undergo heart surgery because one of his four heart valves stopped working.
Then, in 2021, the tragic death of the group's drummer, Charlie Watts, who had joined the group in 1963, occurred.
Affairs and sex
If Mick Jagger is the father of eight children, most of them from different women, it must be added that he claims to have had at least 4,000 romantic relationships throughout his life.
Many are willing to bet that he will be a father to more than eight children.
His turbulent love life reportedly extends to more than just women. Mick Jagger was allegedly caught in bed with David Bowie by his wife and then filed for divorce.
But Jagger didn't just experience festive moments in his private life.
Infidelity has given way to heartache.
One of his partners, top model L'Wren Scott, committed suicide after 13 years of living with Jagger.