Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!
Rolling Stones unreleased:Did Everybody Pay Their Dues?
*Early version of Street Fighting Man Also known as: Primo Grande / Pay Your Dues Written by: Jagger/Richard Recorded: Rolling Stones Mobile, Redlands, Sussex and Olympic Sound Studios, London, England, March 17-31 1968 Guest musicians: Nicky Hopkins (piano), Dave Mason (shenani), Ric Grech (violin), Jim King and Roger Chapman (backing vocals)
From Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012: Keith Richard’s new house in the country, Redlands, was used as a base for rehearsing songs and laying ideas onto cassette in February 1968. The tapes were then played to Jimmy Miller for suggestions and eventually the would set about transferring the track from cassette to four track in the studio. Primo Grande was the first working title for Did Everybody Pay Their Dues?, until it eventually turned into Street Fighting Man. Did Everybody Pay Their Dues? has a different set of lyrics which sound quite stilted and cumbersome compared with the well-known official release.
Some of the backing track was carried through to Street Fighting Man such as Nicky Hopkins’ piano, Keith Richard’s acoustic and Charlie Watt’s percussion. There is an up front lead guitar which blisters through the track. Other instruments include Brian Jones on sitar, Dave Mason on shenani and Ric Grech on violin. Backing vocals were performed by Jim King and Roger Chapman. They were all members of the group Family who were in the same studios recording their debut album Music In A Doll’s House. This was produced by Jimmy Miller and engineered by Eddie Kramer and George Chkiantz.
More about The Rolling Stones’ ‘Did Everybody Pay Their Dues” (early version of ‘Street Fighting Man’)“
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni Recorded in 1968 during the sessions for their legendary album Beggars Banquet, this unreleased track captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit that define the Rolling Stones’ musical ethos. With its infectious bluesy riffs, Mick Jagger’s gritty vocals, and Keith Richards’ signature guitar licks, Did Everybody Pay Their Dues? showcases the band at the height of their creative prowess.
The lyrics of the song delve into the themes of society’s expectations, personal struggles, and the price of fame. Jagger’s impassioned delivery evokes a sense of urgency and a call to question the establishment. It’s a powerful reminder that even in their unreleased material, the Rolling Stones were trailblazers, unafraid to challenge the status quo.Given its significance and the intrigue surrounding it, one can’t help but wonder why Did Everybody Pay Their Dues? was never officially released. Perhaps the band felt it didn’t fit the overall narrative of Beggars Banquet or they simply had an abundance of incredible tracks to choose from.
Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!
