‘Cellophane Trousers’: A 1975 Rarity by The Rolling Stones

By Marcelo Sonaglioni on April 21, 2025

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Rolling Stones unreleased: Cellophane Trousers

Also known as: Back to the Country
Written by: Jagger/Richard
Recorded: Jan.22-Feb. 9, 1975, RSM Studios, Rotterdam, Holland; March 25-Apr. 4, 1975, Musicland Studios, Munich, Germany (Black and Blue sessions)
Guest musicians: Wayne Perkins (guitar)

From Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012:
Opened with a Keith Richards’ riff, Cellophane Trousers is an upbeat five minute instrumental number with a Townshend-like I Can’t Explain hook at the point of the imagined chorus.

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rolling stones unreleased cellophane trousers 1975

**The Rolling Stones Unreleased: Cellophane Trousers and the Sound of ’75**

With its gritty energy and unmistakable Richards riff, Cellophane Trousers stands out as one of the more intriguing unreleased tracks from the Rolling Stones’ prolific Black and Blue sessions. Though never officially released, the song captures a vivid snapshot of the band’s experimental spirit in early 1975. Built around an upbeat instrumental groove that stretches just over five minutes, the track opens with Keith Richards laying down a punchy riff that immediately pulls you in. What follows is a raw jam driven by a hook reminiscent of Pete Townshend’s I Can’t Explain, adding a touch of mod-rock swagger to the Stones’ blues-rock foundation. While there’s no vocal line, one can almost imagine a chorus sliding in, guided by the forceful rhythm section and layered guitars. Cellophane Trousers may not have made the final cut, but it embodies the creative freedom that defined the band’s mid-70s output.

Behind the Sessions: Hidden Gems and Musical Guests

Also referred to as Back to the Country, the song was co-written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and recorded across two iconic locations: from January 22 to February 9, 1975, at RSM Studios in Rotterdam, and again between March 25 and April 4 at Musicland Studios in Munich. These sessions were part of the larger effort that would eventually become the Black and Blue album. What makes Cellophane Trousers even more compelling is the involvement of guest guitarist Wayne Perkins, one of the players auditioning for the band following Mick Taylor’s departure. His presence on the track adds a new flavor to the Stones’ sound—a blend of Southern flair and raw improvisation that gives Cellophane Trousers its unique character, even in its unfinished state.

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