(Credits: Far Out / Album Cover)
By the early 1980s,The Rolling Stones were riding a wave of renewed energy. After a period of creative stagnation following their iconic late ’60s and early ’70s output, the band found themselves reinvigorated. Their 1978 album, Some Girls, marked a turning point, blending punk and disco influences with their signature rock sound. Hits like “Miss You” not only topped charts but also rekindled the band’s legendary appeal.
This resurgence carried into 1981 with the release of Tattoo You, their 16th studio album. Anchored by the timeless anthem “Start Me Up,” the record showcased the band’s ability to breathe new life into forgotten studio tracks. One standout, “Waiting on a Friend,” had been conceived nearly a decade earlier during the Goats head Soup sessions in Jamaica. As MTV began reshaping the music landscape, Mick Jagger’s energetic performance in the “Start Me Up” video became a staple on the network, further solidifying the band’s cultural relevance.
to match the album’s bold sound, The Stones enlisted graphic artist Peter Corriston and illustrator Christian Piper to create a striking cover. The result was a visually arresting design featuring a black-and-white figure adorned with tribal tattoos against a vibrant red backdrop. It was a daring statement, reminiscent of their earlier, controversial Beggars Banquet artwork.
Corriston drew inspiration from unexpected sources. “I started looking at Indian sand paintings and that led me to sideshow circus things where I saw the painted woman, and I thought, ‘That’s kind of interesting,'” he explained. “I did some study of the Samurai warriors because, once again, The stones are the strongest of all the rock and roll people in the world. The Samurai are pretty strong, and apparently, there is a tradition where the strongest of the strong would have tattoos on their face.”
Who is the face behind Tattoo You?
One of the moast intriguing aspects of the album is its cover art. The androgynous figure staring back at listeners is none other than Mick Jagger himself. Photographer Hubert Kretzschmar captured the iconic image, with Jagger on the front and Keith Richards subtly featured on the back. The shoot was a study in contrasts: Jagger arrived on time, meticulously reviewing contact sheets to ensure the perfect shot, while Richards showed up late, clutching a bottle of Jack Daniel’s and a joint, offering little input. When asked to choose his favourite photo, Richards quipped, ”Nah, that’s what Mick’s for, cheers.”
The cover became a defining image of the era, encapsulating The Rolling Stones’ enduring allure. It also marked a pivotal moment in their career, as Tattoo You represented the last time the band exuded the raw vitality that had made them legends in the first place.
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How did the release of *Some Girls* in 1978 mark a turning point for the Rolling Stones?
Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Music Historian and Rolling Stones Expert
By Archyde News, January 15, 2025
Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. As a renowned music historian and Rolling Stones expert,you’ve spent decades studying the band’s evolution. Let’s dive into their resurgence in the late 1970s and early 1980s. What do you think sparked this renewed energy after their period of creative stagnation?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. the rolling Stones’ resurgence in the late 1970s is a fascinating case study in artistic reinvention. By the mid-1970s, the band was grappling with the weight of their own legacy. Their earlier work in the late ’60s and early ’70s had set an impossibly high bar, and they were struggling to find their footing in a rapidly changing musical landscape.
The release of Some Girls in 1978 was a turning point. The album was a direct response to the punk and disco movements that were dominating the charts at the time. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, in particular, were keenly aware of these shifts and decided to incorporate these influences into their sound. Tracks like “Miss You” blended disco grooves with their rock roots, while “Shattered” had a raw, punk-like energy. This willingness to adapt and experiment reconnected them with a younger audience and reestablished their relevance.
Archyde: Some Girls was indeed a game-changer. But how did this momentum carry into the 1980s, notably with the release of tattoo You in 1981?
Dr. Carter: Tattoo You is an engaging album as it was largely built from outtakes and unfinished tracks from previous recording sessions. but what’s remarkable is how cohesive it sounds. The band, along with producer chris Kimsey, managed to craft an album that felt fresh and urgent, even though much of the material wasn’t new.
The standout track, of course, is “start Me Up.” It’s a quintessential Rolling Stones anthem—energetic, riff-driven, and instantly memorable. The song became a global hit and remains one of their most enduring tracks. What’s fascinating is how the band managed to take these older recordings and breathe new life into them. It’s a testament to their ability to adapt and innovate, even when working with material that could have easily felt dated.
Archyde: The Rolling Stones have often been described as musical chameleons.How do you think their ability to blend genres like punk, disco, and rock contributed to their longevity?
Dr. Carter: that’s a great question. The Rolling Stones have always been masters of assimilation. From their early days covering blues and R&B to their forays into country,reggae,and even psychedelia,they’ve never been afraid to experiment. This adaptability has been key to their longevity.
In the late ’70s and early ’80s, they didn’t just borrow from punk and disco—they made those genres their own. They took the raw energy of punk and the danceable rhythms of disco and filtered them through their unique rock lens. This ability to stay current while maintaining their core identity is what has kept them relevant across generations.
Archyde: what do you think the Rolling Stones’ resurgence during this period teaches us about artistic reinvention?
Dr. Carter: The Rolling Stones’ story is a powerful reminder that even the most iconic artists can’t rest on their laurels. They had to confront their own creative stagnation and find new ways to connect with audiences.Their willingness to take risks,embrace new influences,and revisit old material with fresh perspectives is a lesson for any artist.
It’s also a testament to the importance of collaboration. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards,despite their well-documented tensions,pushed each other creatively during this period. The result was some of their most enduring work. In many ways, their resurgence in the late ’70s and early ’80s is a blueprint for how to stay vital in an ever-changing industry.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr.Carter, for your insights. It’s been a pleasure discussing this pivotal era in the Rolling Stones’ career.
Dr. Carter: Thank you. It’s always a joy to talk about one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
End of Interview
Credits: Far Out / Album Cover
Published: wed 15 January 2025, 2:00, UK
