Rolling Stones’ Dirty Work Sessions: ‘Strictly Memphis’ (1985)

By Marcelo Sonaglioni on May 3, 2026

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Rolling Stones unreleased: Strictly Memphis

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Unreleased tracks from the The Rolling Stones’ Dirty Work sessions don’t exactly whisper—they groove, sweat, and occasionally overstay their welcome in the best way possible. Strictly Memphis feels like one of those studio experiments that refused to behave, starting life as a loose idea before turning into something far funkier and more focused than expected. Instead of polished perfection, you get raw energy, studio tension, and that unmistakable Stones habit of turning chaos into rhythm. With unexpected vocal interplay and a heavy groove foundation, it leans into grit rather than gloss, proving once again that even their outtakes can sound like a fully formed statement. It’s messy, confident, and weirdly irresistible.

Also known as: Step On It
Written by: Jagger/Richards

Recorded: EMI-Pathé Marconi Studios, Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Apr. 8-June 17 1985 ; RPM Studios, New York, USA, July 16-Aug. 17 1985 (Dirty Work sessions)
Guest musicians: Bobby Womack (vocals), Chuck Leavell (piano)

From Martin Elliott’s book The Rolling Stones Complete Recording Sessions 1962-2012:
The final version of this song is a great funky duet with Mick Jagger and Bobby Womack on vocals. Other vocalists kept Mick on his toes and this example of a Dirty Work outtake proves how useful this tactic could be. The track is likely to have originated from the Black and Blue sessions as an instrumental. The first Dirty Work outtake has earlier lyrics and Mick guides the song along in an eight minute version without Bobby Womack.

rolling stones unreleased strictly memphis 1985

Unreleased from the Dirty Work sessions: Strictly Memphis

Strictly Memphis, also known as Step On It, is a track from the Dirty Work sessions that captures the essence of the Rolling Stones’ 1980s sound. Written by Jagger and Richards, it was recorded in two locations: EMI-Pathé Marconi Studios in France from April to June 1985 and RPM Studios in New York during the summer of the same year. This song has an intriguing history, with its roots potentially tracing back to the Black and Blue sessions, originally conceived as an instrumental. The track’s final form is an infectious funky duet featuring Mick Jagger and Bobby Womack, with Womack’s soulful vocals adding depth to the song’s gritty vibe.

A Funky Duet

The Dirty Work sessions were all about experimentation, and Strictly Memphis is a perfect example of this. Mick Jagger is pushed creatively by Bobby Womack’s powerful presence, and the back-and-forth between the two makes the track feel alive. Interestingly, the song originally came together as an instrumental, and early versions included Mick guiding the track with a solo vocal performance for nearly eight minutes before Womack joined in. This outtake showcases a raw energy and spontaneity often associated with the band’s creative process during this period.

The contribution of Chuck Leavell on piano and the presence of Womack on vocals elevate the song into a unique blend of blues, funk, and rock. As a Dirty Work outtake, it stands as an intriguing snapshot of a different side of the Stones’ 1985 sessions.

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