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Rolling Stones unreleased: Giving It Up
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: AIR Studios, Montserrat, West Indies, March 29-May 5 1989 (Steel Wheels sessions)
The Rolling Stones’ Steel Wheels album, released in 1989, marked a significant point in the band’s history, both musically and personally. The sessions for the album took place at the idyllic Air Studios in Montserrat, a small Caribbean island. The Stones had previously recorded there in 1979, and Montserrat’s peaceful, secluded environment offered the perfect backdrop for the band to work on the album. This time, the setting would be different, with the band feeling revitalized after a period of turbulence in their relationships and some internal tensions.
The Steel Wheels sessions began in the spring of 1989, with producer Chris Kimsey at the helm once again. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Ronnie Wood all seemed ready to step into the next phase of their long and successful career. The relaxed atmosphere of Montserrat allowed the band to experiment with new sounds while still maintaining their signature style. The tropical location was a far cry from the usual urban studios they had worked in before, and it gave them a sense of freedom that played a significant role in shaping the album’s energetic sound.
During these sessions, the band created a mix of rock, blues, and even touches of reggae, which would define the Steel Wheels sound. One of the standout tracks from the album, Rock and a Hard Place, came to life during this time, showcasing the band’s ability to evolve and adapt. Meanwahile, more songs recorded in Montserrat (like Giving It Up) remain “unreleased”in the vaults”. The sessions also marked the beginning of a new era for the band, as it was their first studio album after the departure of Bill Wyman, making it a pivotal moment in their lineup.
Steel Wheels would go on to be one of the most successful albums of the Rolling Stones’ career, and the Montserrat sessions played a key role in its creation.
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