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Connection feels like one of those late-night Keith Richards creations—born in a haze of hotel rooms, exhaustion, and restless inspiration. Written during Between the Buttons era, the song paints a vivid portrait of touring fatigue and the murky line between fame and escape. Lyrics like “The doctor wants to give me more injections” blend world-weary humor with veiled references to drugs, customs checks, and paranoia. In classic Stones fashion, “connection” means more than one thing—a link to people, places, and vices. Beneath the groove lies a portrait of rock stardom at its most ragged and revealing.
Recorded between November and December 1966 in London, Connection marked a turning point for the Stones. Produced by Glyn Johns, it was Keith’s first official lead vocal, backed by Mick Jagger’s harmonies and Ian Stewart’s piano. The track’s distorted edge came from Keith’s Gibson Les Paul through a Vox UL760, while its bass lines—possibly played by Keith himself—added a loose, raw energy. The result was rough but magnetic, embodying the Stones’ restless creativity.
Legacy, Covers, and Live Revival
Despite being overshadowed by other hits, Connection gained cult status. Artists like Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Montrose covered it, while Richards revived it live in the ’80s and again with the Stones in 2021. Its return to the stage proved its enduring pull—a small, scrappy classic that still resonates with grit and heart.
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