just didn't work)Ĭharlie Watts admitted he still felt guilt over firing Jones: SOUNDCUE (:11 OC. Two decades later, in the Stones' 1989 documentary 25×5: The Continuing Adventures Of The Rolling Stones, Richards recalled edging Jones out of the band permanently: SOUNDCUE (:33 OC. They claimed that due to legal problems, Jones wouldn't be able to attain a work visa for their upcoming U.S. On June 8th, 1969, Jagger, Richards, and drummer Charlie Watts fired Jones. We asked Lindsey Buckingham what that classic early-era means to him as a Stones fan: SOUNDCUE (:29 OC. Mick Jagger spoke about the sad deterioration of Brian Jones in the last few years of his short life: SOUNDCUE (:18 OC. Due to his substance abuse problems, Jones frequently missed tour dates and recording sessions, and was unable to function within the band when he did attend.īassist Bill Wyman wrote about Jones in his 1991 autobiography Stone Alone, saying, "For two years not only had he become physically vulnerable and battered by his drug busts, but within the Stones he was sad, isolated and obviously unhappy." By 1966, Jones' mental instability and drug abuse had become a liability to the Stones. Jones began losing control of the group when Jagger and Richards began their songwriting partnership in 1965, which slowly moved the band away from Jones' blues-based direction. Jones, although uncredited, co-wrote and played the recorders on "Ruby Tuesday," sitar and tamboura on "Paint It, Black," dulcimer on "I Am Waiting" and "Lady Jane," the lead guitar riff on "Get Off My Cloud," harpsichord on "Yesterday's Papers," the trumpet and trombone on "Something Happened To Me Yesterday," the marimba on "Under My Thumb," and the autoharp on "You Got The Silver."
Jones played a pivotal role in the Stones' success, with his blond hair and good looks, as well as his ability to play any instrument seemingly within minutes of picking it up. Shortly after turning professional, Stewart, whose looks didn't fit with the band, signed on as their road manager. Jones, a blues enthusiast, both named and led the original group, which included Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, and keyboardist Ian Stewart.
It was 51 years ago today (June 8th, 1969) that Brian Jones, a founding member of the Rolling Stones, officially quit the band.