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Rolling Stones unreleased:Sparks Will Fly (early take, Keith Richards on vocals)
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: Sandymount Studios, Kildare, Ireland, July 9-Aug. 6 and September 1993; Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 3-Dec. 10 1993; Don Was studio and A&M Studio, Los Angeles, USA, Jan. 15-Apr. 1994 (Voodoo Lounge sessions) Guest musicians: Darryl Jones (bass), Bernard Fowler (backing vocals) *Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012
More about the early take of The Rolling Stones’ ‘Sparks Will Fly’
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni In 1993, during the recording sessions for Voodoo Lounge, The Rolling Stones laid down an early version of Sparks Will Fly that featured Keith Richards on lead vocals. While the final album version, released in 1994, showcased Mick Jagger’s unmistakable delivery, this early take offers a fascinating glimpse into the band’s creative process and Richards’ influence on the track’s development.
The version with Richards singing brings a raw, gritty energy to the song, aligning it closely with his signature style. Known for his rugged, blues-infused voice, Keith’s interpretation gives the track a looser, edgier feel compared to Jagger’s polished and commanding final performance. The early take also highlights the evolving nature of the song’s arrangement and lyrics as the band worked to refine it into its ultimate form.
Sparks Will Fly, played al through the Voodoo Lounge Tour, is a high-energy rocker, brimming with cheeky, rebellious lyrics and a swaggering attitude that encapsulates the Stones’ timeless appeal. The song’s development in the studio is a testament to the band’s collaborative dynamic, where experimentation often led to new creative directions. Richards’ vocal version, though unreleased officially, adds another layer of depth to the band’s rich archive of outtakes and alternate versions cherished by fans.
This rare early take with Richards on vocals serves as a reminder of the collaborative spirit and versatility that have defined The Rolling Stones for decades. It’s an intriguing piece of history for fans, offering a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the making of one of the standout tracks from Voodoo Lounge.
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