The Rolling Stones Cover ‘I Ain’t Superstitious’ (1978)

By Marcelo Sonaglioni on January 17, 2026

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Rolling Stones unreleased: I Ain’t Superstitious

During the fiery Some Girls sessions of ’78 in Hollywood, the Stones knocked out a raw take on Willie Dixon’s I Ain’t Superstitious. It never saw release, but man, it captures their no-frills swagger perfectly—no glitter, no overcooked solos, just groove and grit. Ian McLagan sneaks in those sharp piano licks that keep the track humming, proving sometimes the coolest magic happens when the tape rolls and nobody’s thinking about radio hits.

Written by: Willie Dixon
Recorded: RCA Studios, Hollywood, USA, Aug 26-Sept. 6 1978 (Some Girls sessions)
Guest musicians: Ian McLagan (piano)

From Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012:
Written by Willie Dixon, I Ain’t Superstitious was most notable recorded by Howlin’ Wolf. It had also been covered by Jeff Beck. Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts would have remembered playing the song with Howlin’ Wolf for the 1971 album The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions with Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood. The Stones play it very straight without frills.

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rolling stones unreleased I ain't superstitious 1978

**A Raw Take from the Some Girls Era**

In the heat of the Some Girls recording sessions at RCA Studios in Hollywood during late August 1978, the Rolling Stones laid down an understated but potent rendition of I Ain’t Superstitious. Though it remained unreleased, this bluesy outtake resonates with the band’s stripped-back approach at the time—no flashy solos or studio trickery, just tight rhythm and raw delivery. Ian McLagan’s crisp piano lines weave into the mix, quietly elevating the groove.

It’s a track that doesn’t scream for attention; instead, it leans into subtlety, showcasing the Stones’ instinctive chemistry and respect for classic blues. There’s a hint of nostalgia too—Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts likely recalled backing Howlin’ Wolf on the original track during the London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions in ’71. That memory, layered with experience, gives this version its grounding. The Stones weren’t reinventing the wheel; they were giving it a respectful spin—true to the spirit of Willie Dixon’s writing.

Superstition, Legacy and Blues Roots

Originally penned by the legendary Willie Dixon, I Ain’t Superstitious was famously recorded by Howlin’ Wolf and later interpreted by Jeff Beck in his own style. The Stones, however, played it straight—no frills, no flash—just the essence of the blues laid bare. For fans of the band’s deeper cuts and studio curiosities, this outtake is a fascinating glimpse into their musical ethos. It’s not just another cover; it’s part of a lineage—one that bridges blues traditions, personal history, and the unpredictable magic of studio experimentation. In its quiet honesty, it stands as a testament to the Stones’ enduring connection to the music that shaped them.

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