The Rolling Stones and the Lost Track ‘Extreme Western Grip’ (2002)

By Marcelo Sonaglioni on May 3, 2025

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Rolling Stones unreleased: Extreme Western Grip

Written by: Jagger/Richards/Wood/Watts
Recorded: Studio Guillaume Tell, Suresnes, France, May-June 2002
Guest musicians: Darryl Jones (bass), Chuck Leavell (keyboards), Blondie Chaplin (percussion)

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rolling stones unreleased extreme western grip 2002

The Rolling Stones Unleashed: Inside the Pulse of Extreme Western Grip

Buried deep in the vaults of Bridges to Babylon’s gritty aftermath and the anticipation of A Bigger Bang, Extreme Western Grip emerged during the Stones’ 2002 studio sessions at Studio Guillaume Tell in France. With its primal pulse and untamed rhythm, the track radiates the raw urgency of a band still eager to push boundaries decades into their career. Though unreleased, it captures a moment where creativity overflowed in the studio, driven by the powerhouse core of Jagger, Richards, Wood, and Watts. What makes this cut particularly intriguing is its collaborative intensity—Ronnie Wood’s textured guitar interplay, Charlie Watts’ unshakable groove, and Jagger’s signature swagger blend seamlessly with the punchy energy of the session. Guest musicians like Darryl Jones on bass, Chuck Leavell on keyboards, and Blondie Chaplin on percussion add layers of sonic richness, hinting at what might have been had the track made the final cut.

A Studio Storm in Suresnes

Recorded in May–June 2002 at Studio Guillaume Tell in Suresnes, France, Extreme Western Grip (which you can see the Stones rehearsing in studios in the Four Flicks DVD released in 2003) was part of a fertile creative burst as the Stones began shaping ideas for what would later become A Bigger Bang (2005). While it didn’t make the album, the song showcases the band’s enduring chemistry and their openness to evolving textures. Chuck Leavell’s keys provide subtle melodic movement, and Chaplin’s percussive flavor brings a vibrant edge. Darryl Jones anchors the jam with his basslines, further proving how integral the longtime touring bassist had become. Despite being tucked away, Extreme Western Grip is a gem for fans—a reminder that even in their off-cuts, the Rolling Stones still roll with fire and purpose.

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