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The Rolling Stones in the press: “Brian Jones – The Case of the Disappearing Image”
Fading from the Spotlight: What Happened to Brian Jones?
By 1966, something had clearly changed for Brian Jones, founding member of the Rolling Stones and once the most visually striking figure of the band. While Mick and Keith were rising in prominence, Brian was slowly slipping into the background—and fans noticed. His public image, once sharp and full of swagger, started to feel hazy. He looked different in photos, less present in interviews, and barely contributed to some studio sessions. So what was going on?
Part of the mystery lies in his personal struggles. Jones wasn’t just dealing with the pressures of fame—he was also deep in a spiral of drug use and emotional instability. As the Stones evolved musically, Brian began to drift. His enthusiasm for the band’s direction seemed to fade, and he often clashed with Mick and Keith. The once-charismatic multi-instrumentalist was now showing up late to sessions—or not at all.
The Drugs, the Drift, and the Disappearance
By mid-1966, Brian was drowning in legal problems and substance abuse. His heavy use of psychedelics and other drugs not only damaged his health but also his ability to function within the band. The others were frustrated, but they didn’t cut him loose just yet. Still, fans could feel it: Brian’s presence wasn’t what it used to be.
Photos and footage from that period tell their own story. He looked lost, distracted—even sick. The guy who once stood out in every shot had become a ghost in the frame.
While Jones would hang on for a couple more years, 1966 marked the real beginning of his fade. What happened wasn’t just about music—it was about a young man losing his way in the chaos of fame, drugs, and shifting identities.
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