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Brian Jones’ Last Moments with The Rolling Stones

May 21, 1969: Last photo shoot with Brian, by Ethan Russell, which took place near Tower Bridge and also at George Nichol’s studio in London, later resulting in the cover and gatefold pics used for the Through the Past, Darkly(Big Hits Vol. 2) compilation album. At the time of the session Brian was noticeably alienated from the band he once formed, in fact he would be fired from the band the following month. It was a painful moment for all of them.

A Farewell in Photos: The Rolling Stones and Brian Jones

On May 21, 1969, The Rolling Stones gathered for what would become their final photo shoot with founding member Brian Jones. The session, captured by photographer Ethan Russell, took place at two locations: near London’s iconic Tower Bridge and inside George Nichol’s studio. The resulting images would later be used for the cover and gatefold of the Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2) compilation album, released in September 1969, two months after Brain’s passing.

The shoot, though professional on the surface, carried heavy emotional weight. Brian Jones, once the creative driving force behind the band, was visibly distant and detached from the rest of the group. His appearance and demeanor revealed the growing divide that had formed between him and his bandmates.

The End of an Era

Just weeks after this photo session, Jones was officially fired from the band he had formed. The decision was not taken lightly and marked a painful turning point for all involved. For The Rolling Stones, it was a necessary yet somber move as they evolved into the next phase of their career. For Brian Jones, it signaled the final chapter in his story with the band—one that would end tragically less than two months later. This shoot, in hindsight, stands as a visual goodbye.

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