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Rolling Stones unreleased:Honest Man
Hidden in the Voodoo Lounge sessions of 1993 lies Honest Man, a raw, unreleased gem by The Rolling Stones. Mick Jagger’s harmonica cuts through a driving blues-rock riff, blending traditional blues with the band’s unmistakable rock energy. Two nearly identical outtake versions hint at a creative process full of experimentation and polish, showing how close this track came to a full release. From Sandymount Studios in Kildare to Windmill Lane in Dublin, these sessions reveal the depth of material the Stones crafted. Why Honest Man never officially saw the light remains a tantalizing mystery for fans.
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: Sandymount Studios, Kildare, Ireland, July 9-Aug. 6 and September; Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 3-Dec. 10 1993 (Voodoo Lounge sessions) Guest musicians: Darryl Jones (bass)
From Martin Elliott’s book The Rolling Stones Complete Recording Sessions 1962-2012: One of the best outtakes from the Voodoo Lounge sessions, Mick Jagger uses the harmonica but in a stronger blues style; the background music is up front rock and roll with a real duck and diving riff. The vocals sound as if they are finished and Mick may be on guitar. Two outtake versions can be heard very similar to one another.
The Rolling Stones’ Lost Voodoo Lounge Track: Honest Man
This standout outtake from the Voodoo Lounge sessions captures Mick Jagger delivering a raw, powerful harmonica performance, embracing an intense blues-rock style. The instrumentation leans into energetic rock and roll, driven by a lively, dynamic riff. Jagger’s vocals feel polished and near-final, hinting that he may have even contributed guitar parts himself. Two versions of this outtake exist, both remarkably similar, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process behind the track. Recording began at Sandymount Studios in Kildare, Ireland, from July 9 to August 6, with additional sessions in September. Later, work continued at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin from November 3 to December 10, 1993. Honest Manremains a fascinating, unreleased gem that highlights the Stones’ musical experimentation during this period.
Honest Man and Its Unreleased Brilliance
These extended sessions highlight The Rolling Stones’ dedication to crafting the distinct sound of Voodoo Lounge, blending raw blues influences with their signature rock energy. Honest Manstands as a testament to the depth of material produced during these sessions, even among tracks that didn’t make the final album. Its driving rhythm and engaging harmonica lines capture the essence of the band’s unique ability to fuse traditional blues with modern rock sensibilities, making it a standout outtake.
Two remarkably similar versions exist, offering insight into the band’s creative process over months of work at Sandymount Studios in Kildare and Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin during 1993. So why did this amazing song never see an official release? Truth is stranger than fiction—yet Honest Manremains a hidden gem for fans of this iconic era.
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