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Rolling Stones unreleased: Waiting On A Friend (early version)

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Waiting On a Friend took the scenic route to becoming one of the Rolling Stones’ most enduring tracks, beginning its life in Jamaica in 1972 before finally emerging years later on Tattoo You. Recorded at Dynamic Sound Studios and later revisited in Paris, the song’s early versions already carried the laid-back charm that defines it today. With subtle, soulful contributions from Billy Preston on piano, its evolution was more about patience than transformation. Those early takes reveal a rare story in rock history—a song that stayed true to its original spirit while quietly waiting for its perfect moment to shine.

Original titles: Waiting for a Friend ; Waiting On My Friend
Written by: Jagger/Richard
Recorded: Dynamic Sound Studios, Kingston, Jamaica, Nov. 25-Dec. 21 1972 (Goats Head Soup sessions)
Guest musicians: Billy Preston (piano)

From Martin Elliott’s book The Rolling Stones Complete Recording Sessions 1962-2012:
Another track that originated in Jamaica but was not released until 1981. An outtake from Dynamic Sound shows that the foundation of the track was not significantly altered at all. Two other outtakes emanate from the Paris sessions.

The Rolling Stones and an early take of Waiting On a Friend

Waiting On a Friend, an iconic track by The Rolling Stones, has a fascinating history that traces its origins to Jamaica during the recording sessions for Goats Head Soup in late 1972. Though it wasn’t released until 1981, the song’s journey began at Dynamic Sound Studios in Kingston, where the core of the track took shape. Interestingly, the foundation of the song remained largely intact throughout its evolution. Despite its release years later, early outtakes from the sessions provide a glimpse into the raw, unrefined version of this timeless tune. These initial recordings didn’t undergo significant changes, leaving us with a closer connection to the song’s first draft, before it was polished into the familiar masterpiece.

Guest Musicians and Recording Sessions

The creation of Waiting On a Friend wasn’t just the result of Jagger and Richards’ songwriting prowess—it also involved the contribution of some talented musicians. One notable guest was Billy Preston, who provided the piano that became an integral part of the track’s emotional depth. In addition to the Jamaican recordings, two other outtakes were produced during sessions in Paris, adding to the song’s complex and evolving story. The initial versions of the track were actually recorded under different working titles, including Waiting for a Friend and Waiting On My Friend, reflecting the process of refining the song’s identity.

Though it would take nearly a decade for the world to hear it (in the Tattoo You album, 1981), Waiting On a Friend remains one of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved songs, showcasing the band’s ability to craft enduring rock anthems that transcend time.

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