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The Rolling Stones recorded plenty of material in 1965, but not everything they put on tape was destined for an album—or even an official release. Aftermath is one of those fascinating leftovers: a fast, bluesy instrumental jam that captures the Stones stretching out during one of their most productive periods. There is no Mick Jagger lyric to explain it, no hit single waiting underneath, just the band locking into a groove and seeing where it goes. And yet this obscure track came surprisingly close to escaping the vaults. An acetate was even prepared for the proposed Necrophilia compilation. Then, somehow, it disappeared.
Written by: Nanker/Phelge Recorded: RCA Studios, Hollywood, USA, Dec. 3-8 1965 (Aftermath sessions)
From Martin Elliott’s book The Rolling Stones Complete Recording Sessions 1962-2012: A title track which is a blues up-tempo instrumental nearly released on a compilation project to be named Necrophilia, even with an acetate made up.
The Lost Groove: Rolling Stones’ Unreleased Aftermath Instrumental
Among the treasures of The Rolling Stones’ vast catalog lies a rare, unreleased instrumental track titled Aftermath, credited to the group’s collective pseudonym Nanker/Phelge. Recorded during the prolific December 1965 sessions at RCA Studios in Hollywood, this blues-infused, up-tempo jam captures the band’s raw energy and musical chemistry in its purest form. Despite its infectious rhythm and classic Stones vibe, the track never made it to an official album release. Interestingly, Aftermath was nearly included on a mysterious compilation called Necrophilia, for which an acetate pressing was even created, hinting at how close this hidden gem came to seeing the light of day. Its absence from the mainstream discography leaves fans wondering what might have been—a gritty, instrumental snapshot from a defining era of the band’s evolution.
A Glimpse Into the Aftermath Sessions
The Aftermath sessions (meaning the very Aftermath album) in late 1965 marked a turning point for the Stones, showcasing their growing songwriting talents and sonic experimentation. While the album itself is celebrated for its iconic tracks, the recording sessions produced more material than the final release could hold. Aftermath (the instrumental jam) stands out as an exciting example of the Stones’ willingness to push boundaries and explore their blues roots without vocals. Its energy and vibe reveal the band in a playful yet intense mode, jamming freely with no constraints. This track remains a tantalizing piece of the Stones’ story—an unreleased artifact that offers insight into their creative process at one of their most fertile moments.
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