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Rolling Stones Quotes: Mick Taylor, on joining The Rolling Stones
“The Stones are a different kind of group. I realized that when I joined them. It’s not really so much their musical ability, it’s just they have a certain kind of style and attitude which is unique.”
By 1969, the Rolling Stones were in need of a serious shake-up. Brian Jones, once the band’s golden boy, was fading fast—more interested in swimming in his pool than actually playing guitar. Enter Mick Taylor, a 20-year-old guitar prodigy fresh from John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. The guy could play, and play well.
Taylor joined the Stones in June 1969, stepping into the chaos just in time for their massive Hyde Park concert in July. No pressure, right? His first live gig with the band was in front of 250,000 people, filling Brian Jones’ spot just two days after his tragic death. Talk about a trial by fire.
Taylor’s arrival gave the Stones a whole new edge. His fluid, bluesy lead guitar work was miles ahead of anything they’d done before. Keith was still the king of riffs, but Taylor brought in a level of technical skill that took their music to the next level. Listen to Sticky Fingers or Exile on Main St., and you’ll hear Taylor all over those records, weaving solos that made even Keith sit up and take notice.
Of course, being the “new guy” in the biggest rock band on the planet wasn’t all fun and games. By 1974, Taylor had had enough—fed up with the drugs, the drama, and the lack of songwriting credit (seriously, the guy deserved more credit). So, he walked away, leaving fans wondering what could have been if he’d stuck around a little longer.
Still, Mick Taylor’s time with the Stones might have been brief, but it was legendary. After joining them helped shape some of their most iconic albums, and even if he didn’t get the recognition he deserved, real fans know—Taylor was one of the best things to ever happen to the Stones.
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