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Rolling Stones unreleased: Melobar
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: Pathé Marconi Studios, Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Dec. 1982 (Undercover sessions) Guest musicians: Jim Barber (guitar, bass), Chuck Leavell (keyboards)
A sweet mellow bluesy instrumental from the Undercover sessions.
Unearthing Melobar: A Hidden Rolling Stones Instrumental from 1982
Among the many forgotten treasures buried in the Rolling Stones’ vast archive, Melobar stands out as a smooth, bluesy instrumental that offers a unique glimpse into the band’s creative process during the early ’80s. Recorded in December 1982 at Pathé Marconi Studios in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Melobar was part of the Undercover album sessions but never made it to the final release. Despite remaining officially unreleased, the track continues to intrigue fans and collectors alike.
Written by the iconic duo Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Melobar veers away from the biting political edge of much of Undercover and instead embraces a laid-back, mellow groove. True to its name, the track showcases a warm, melodic atmosphere led by bluesy guitar work. Guest guitarist Jim Barber contributes both guitar and bass, while the always-reliable Chuck Leavell adds color with tasteful keyboard touches, giving the piece a rich, soulful tone.
Although no vocals appear on the track, Melobar speaks volumes through its instrumental storytelling. It reflects the band’s deep-rooted connection to American blues and their ability to stretch beyond rock ‘n’ roll conventions. The title likely nods to the Melobar guitar—a slide guitar variation—suggesting the distinctive sound that weaves through the piece.
In the context of the Undercover sessions, which were marked by stylistic experimentation and internal tension within the band, Melobar feels like a moment of ease—a musical breather that allowed the Stones to explore their blues influences without pressure. While it never became a cornerstone of their catalog, it remains a fascinating artifact for fans curious about the Stones’ studio explorations. Melobar may never have seen an official release, but its understated charm earns it a rightful place among the band’s many hidden gems.
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