Max Romeo and The Rolling Stones: A Reggae Collaboration

By Marcelo Sonaglioni on February 11, 2026

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Max Romeo Collaborates with The Rolling Stones

Jamaican reggae legend Max Romeo teamed up with The Rolling Stones in a surprising musical crossover. Fusing reggae grooves with rock energy, this collaboration reflects the band’s fearless experimentation and willingness to step outside their comfort zone. Though often overlooked, it highlights a creative moment where two worlds collided, producing sounds that were bold, fresh, and unconventional. Fans can glimpse the Stones exploring new rhythms while Romeo brought his distinctive voice and style to the mix. This rare chapter celebrates the adventurous spirit of both artists, leaving a lasting impression on anyone curious about genre-blending experiments in music history.

Max Romeo was a Jamaican reggae artist who did backup vocals on the song Dance (Pt. 1) (from the Emotional Rescue album, 1980) as well as on If I Was a Dancer (Dance Pt. 2). He also appears on Jah Is Not Dead, an unreleased track from 1979. In 1981, Romeo released an LP titled Holding Out My Love to You, which featured Keith as guest on four songs (on Wishing For Love, Vow Of A Nazarene, Bell The Cat and the album title song) The LP, issued by Shanachie Records, who released the LP, included a poster of Keith and Romeo, a photo of Keith on the back cover of the LP, and a sticker on the front cover to promote the reggae artist’s album. Keith ended up suing the label, and the poster, photo, and sticker were discontinued.

Born Maxwell Livingston Smith on November 28, 1947, in St. D’Acre, Jamaica, Romeo began his music career in the vibrant reggae scene of Jamaica. He started recording in the late 1960s and early 1970s, initially working with producers like Coxsone Dodd and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry.

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keith richards guest max romeo holding out reggae 1981

Max Romeo, Reggae and Keith Richards’ Connection

The singer’s music is deeply rooted in reggae, but he is also known for integrating elements of Rastafarian beliefs and social commentary into his songs. His lyrics often address themes of justice, inequality, and spirituality. Some of his most notable songs include: Wet Dream, Chase the Devil and War In A Babylon (a classic example of Romeo’s powerful social commentary and use of religious imagery.

As for Keith himself, he always had a deep appreciation for reggae, heavily influenced by his time in Jamaica. He embraced the genre in the 1970s, incorporating its rhythms into The Rolling Stones’ music, starting with the calypso-tinted Luxury in 1974 and Cherry Oh Baby two years later. Among many others like Max Romeo, Richards also worked with reggae legends like Peter Tosh, further solidifying his connection to the style.

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