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The Rolling Stones Film the ‘Waiting On A Friend’ video, the St. Mark’s Bar and Grill, and more
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni
July 2, 1981: Under the direction of Michael Lindsay Hogg, the Stones shoot a promo video for Waiting on a Friend on the streets of Greenwich Village and also at the St. Marks Bar, same area, just around the corner (where they also do a little jam playing a few old blues numbers), New York City.
The indoor scenes for the promo video of Waiting on a Friend were filmed at a bar located at the corner of St. Mark’s Place and First Avenue in Greenwich Village, NYC. This iconic setting provided the perfect backdrop for the video, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, known for his work on the Stones’ 1968 TV special The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus and the Beatles’ Let It Be film, among other notable projects.
A Lost Landmark in Rock History
At the time, the bar featured a modest painting of the Rolling Stones on its back wall, adding a unique charm to the location. Sadly, the establishment, along with its tribute to the band, has since disappeared, leaving only memories of its connection to rock history. The choice of this intimate and atmospheric venue added a touch of authenticity to the video, aligning with the song’s reflective and mellow tone.
While the bar may no longer exist, its role in this memorable video remains a significant part of the Stones’ legacy, capturing a moment in time when the streets of New York City served as both inspiration and stage for one of rock and roll’s most iconic bands.
When The Rolling Stones Took St. Mark’s Place
Shot on July 2 1981, the video became very popular on MTV. Matching the song’s lyrics, Jagger is seen waiting for Keith in the doorway of an apartment block. The building, at 96–98 St. Mark’s Place in Manhattan, is notable for having also appeared on the cover of Led Zeppelin’s 1975 album Physical Graffiti. The two then walk down the street and enter the St. Mark’s Bar & Grill where the other three band members are already drinking. Ronnie appears in the video, although he was not a musician on the original recording. Mick sings the song to Keith, and the video concludes with the band setting up for a gig at the back of the bar, largely ignored by the other patrons.
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