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The Rolling Stones in the press: “Brian, We Hardly Knew Ye”
Trouser Press magazine had a unique and sometimes critical relationship with The Rolling Stones, especially during the 1970s and 1980s. Founded in 1974, Trouser Press was a prominent rock music magazine known for its in-depth analysis, extensive reviews, and critical perspectives on contemporary rock music. While it was more focused on the emerging punk and new wave scenes, the magazine also covered established acts like The Rolling Stones, albeit with a sometimes skeptical or critical tone, reflecting the growing disillusionment with the mainstream rock industry during the 1970s.
One of the most notable aspects of Trouser Press‘s coverage of The Rolling Stones was its commentary on the band’s evolution as they moved from their earlier blues-infused rock sound to a more polished, commercial style in the 1970s. Trouser Press often noted the band’s shift in musical direction, particularly with albums like Goats Head Soup (1973) and It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (1974), which were seen as a departure from the raw energy of their earlier work. Critics in the magazine sometimes argued that the Stones were becoming more formulaic or predictable, especially as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards grew into global superstars and embraced the trappings of fame.
Despite these critical perspectives, Trouser Press also recognized The Rolling Stones’ immense influence on rock music and their ability to innovate within the commercial rock sphere. The magazine covered major Stones albums and concerts, often analyzing the impact of their work on the larger cultural landscape. For example, Trouser Press was one of the many outlets that documented the band’s 1975 Tour of the Americas, which was a major spectacle that cemented their reputation as one of the top live acts in the world.
Overall, Trouser Press was part of a wider journalistic trend in the 1970s and 1980s where rock critics, especially those in alternative or underground publications, sought to challenge the dominance of mainstream acts like The Rolling Stones. While Trouser Press‘s relationship with the band was sometimes marked by criticism, it ultimately acknowledged their lasting cultural significance and their ability to shape the rock genre, even as the band entered the later stages of their career.
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Stones Data on Substack
