Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!

Rolling Stones unreleased: Silver Train (alternate take)

Written by: Jagger/Richard
Recorded: Olympic Studios, London, England; Oct. 17-30 1970; Dynamic Sounds Studios, Kingston, Jamaica, Nov. 25-Dec. 21 1972; Island Recording Studios, London, England, June 1973

*Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012

*Click for MORE STONES UNRELEASED TRACKS

Riding the Blues: The Evolution and Influence of Silver Train

Before it rolled onto Goats Head Soup, Silver Train had already made its first stop—at London’s Olympic Sound Studios in October 1970. That early version captured the Rolling Stones at their bluesiest, laying down a raw, unfiltered take that would eventually evolve into the track fans know today. By the spring of 1973, the Stones revisited the song, tightening its edges and breathing new life into its blues-soaked rhythms.

Interestingly Silver Train bears a striking similarity to All Down the Line, hinting that both tracks may have emerged from the same fertile creative stretch in the late ’60s or early ’70s. With its rich imagery and unmistakable groove, it stands as another example of how the Stones turned storytelling into swaggering rock and roll.

How Johnny Winter Gave “Silver Train” a Second Life

Before it ever made it onto Goats Head Soup, Silver Train got a shot of adrenaline thanks to Johnny Winter, who recorded his own fiery version during the sessions for Still Alive and Well, released just before the Stones’ own. His gritty, blues-drenched take on the song didn’t just do it justice—it lit a fire under the Stones. Inspired by Winter’s raw energy, the band circled back to their own version, polishing and tightening it until it was ready for the spotlight. That unexpected boost from a fellow artist helped turn The Rolling Stones’ Silver Train into more than just a deep cut—it became a standout moment in the Stones’ ’70s run.

Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!

COPYRIGHT © ROLLING STONES DATA
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE IS COPYRIGHT OF ROLLING STONES DATA. ALL CONTENT BY MARCELO SONAGLIONI.
ALL SETLISTS AND TICKET STUBS TAKEN FROM THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE ROLLING STONES. 
WHEN USING INFORMATION FROM ROLLING STONES DATA (ONLINE OR PRINTED) PLEASE REFER TO ITS SOURCE DETAILING THE WEBSITE NAME. THANK YOU.