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The J. Geils Band warming up audiences before the Rolling Stones took the stage
By the early 1980s, the Rolling Stones had perfected the art of turning tours into moving celebrations of swagger, excess, and rhythm, and few American bands fit that world as naturally as the J. Geils Band. They brought a raw, blues-driven party energy that echoed the Stones’ own roots. Their connection was never about rivalry, but instinct. Onstage, backstage, and later in the studio, their encounters felt like conversations between kindred spirits, united by R&B grooves, barroom grit, and a shared belief that rock ’n’ roll should be lived, loud and loose.
“The bad boys from Boston”, and America’s all-time party rockers, who opened for the Stones on some dates of their 1981 U.S. tour and on their 1982 European tour. Later on, in 1984, Mick guested on J. Geils band’s singer album Lights Out (backup vocals on Pretty Lady) and then in 2002 on his album Sleepless (vocals and harmonica on Nothing but the Wheel) and Keith (vocals and guitar on Too Close Together)
When the Stones Crossed Paths with the J. Geils Band
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni
The Rolling Stones and the J. Geils Band may have come from different backgrounds, but their shared love for blues and rock ‘n’ roll made them natural allies. Throughout the ‘70s and early ‘80s, Jagger and Richards crossed paths with the Boston-based band on multiple occasions, both on and off the stage.
One of the most memorable moments came in 1982 when the J. Geils Band opened for the Stones during their massive European tour. By that time, the Geils Band was at the peak of their success with hits like Centerfold and Freeze-Frame, while the Stones were, well, still the Stones—untouchable rock legends. The tour was a high-energy affair, with both bands delivering electrifying performances night after night.
Offstage, the Rolling Stones and the J. Geils Band had a deep mutual respect for each other. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards appreciated the band’s gritty, blues-driven style, which resonated with their own musical roots. Meanwhile, Peter Wolf, the energetic frontman of the J. Geils Band, frequently expressed his admiration for the Stones and their lasting influence on rock ‘n’ roll. Their shared passion for blues-infused music created a strong bond between the two groups, extending beyond live performances and into a genuine musical connection.
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