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Rolling Stones Unreleased: Don’t Be Cruel

Hidden within the turbulent Dirty Work sessions of 1985, Don’t Be Cruel stands out as a raw, gritty gem from The Rolling Stones. Covering Elvis Presley’s classic, the band brings their signature rebellious flair with slurred, drink-soaked vocals from Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, capturing an unpolished, authentic side rarely heard. Backed by a minimal piano riff, the track radiates spontaneous energy and chaos, reflecting the band’s internal tensions and creative spark. Though unreleased, Don’t Be Cruel offers a haunting glimpse into the Stones’ chemistry, showing how even in chaos, their iconic style and raw power shine through.

Written by: Otis Blackwell
Recorded: EMI Pathe Marconi Studios, Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Jan. 15-March 3 1985 (Dirty Work sessions)

From Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012:
The session was flowing along and this Elvis Presley number again features Keith Richards and Mick Jagger duetting in drink sodden, slurred fashion to a piano backing.

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A Rolling Stones’ Rare Gem: Don’t Be Cruel

Amid the chaotic sessions of the Dirty Work album in 1985, The Rolling Stones recorded “a little-known track”, Don’t Be Cruel, originally written by Otis Blackwell. This unreleased gem was recorded between January 15 and March 3, 1985, at the EMI Pathe Marconi Studios in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. The song, a cover of Elvis Presley’s classic, showcases a raw and unapologetically gritty side of the band.

With the pressure of their tumultuous internal dynamics and the strained atmosphere of the Dirty Work sessions, Don’t Be Cruel served as a moment of release for the band. The chemistry between Keith Richards and Mick Jagger is palpable, as they duet with a distinct, slurred, drink-soaked delivery that brings the track to life with their signature rebellious flair. Their voices, ragged and imperfect, add to the authenticity of the performance, revealing a side of the Stones not often seen in their polished hits, making it an interesting and haunting glimpse into the band’s state of mind during this intense period.

A Moment of Raw Energy and Chaos

Don’t Be Cruel captures the essence of the band’s state of mind during the sessions. The slurred vocals and loose performance reflect the intense, unrestrained energy that defined the era for the Stones. Backed by a minimalistic piano riff, the song doesn’t rely on high production values or polish; instead, it’s the spontaneity and mood of the moment that shine through. In many ways, this track embodies the band’s ability to take on a classic and make it their own, adding their signature rough-edged style to a timeless hit.

Though never officially released, the Stones’ take on the classic Don’t Be Cruel serves as a fascinating glimpse into the Stones’ creative process during a tumultuous period, offering a snapshot of their enduring musical chemistry, even in the face of personal and professional challenges.

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