The Stone Age: Sixty Years of the Rolling Stones

The Stone Age examines six decades of The Rolling Stones through a female perspective, offering a fresh take on the iconic rock band's history. Music journalist Lesley-Ann Jones presents personal experiences alongside extensive research to construct this 2022 biography. The book focuses on the relationships and dynamics between band members, exploring previously undiscussed aspects of their personal lives and sexuality. Jones pays particular attention to the women who influenced and surrounded the band throughout their career, from romantic partners to industry figures. The narrative covers The Rolling Stones' journey from their formation through their rise to global stardom, including key musical achievements, internal conflicts, and cultural impact. Jones incorporates interviews, historical documentation, and firsthand accounts to support her analysis. The work represents a significant departure from traditional Rolling Stones biographies by challenging established narratives and examining the band's legacy through contemporary social perspectives. It raises questions about gender, power, and identity in rock music culture.

Many readers found this biography disappointing due to its heavy focus on the band's earlier years and relationships rather than providing new insights about the Stones' music and legacy. Readers appreciated: - Coverage of significant women in the Stones' orbit - Personal stories about Brian Jones and Keith Richards - Collection of rare photos - Writing style and pacing Common criticisms: - Too much focus on Anita Pallenberg and other romantic entanglements - Minimal coverage of the band's post-1970s history - Repetitive information found in other Stones books - Lack of new interviews or original research Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (85 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.1/5 (126 ratings) Amazon US: 3.8/5 (92 ratings) Multiple reviewers noted they "expected more depth" and found the book "rehashes old ground." One Amazon reviewer wrote: "Nothing new here that hasn't been covered extensively in previous books about the band."

Life by Keith Richards, James Fox Chronicles the Rolling Stones from the raw perspective of their guitarist, providing inside details of the band's history through personal stories and musical evolution.

Mick Jagger by Philip Norman This biography connects Jagger's personal relationships, musical innovations, and business decisions to paint a complete picture of the Stones' frontman.

Small Town Talk: Bob Dylan, The Band, Van Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix & Friends in Woodstock by Barney Hoskyns Captures the same era as the Stones through the interconnected lives of musicians in the creative hub of Woodstock during the 1960s and 70s.

Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon and the Journey of a Generation by Sheila Weller Examines the parallel rise of female musicians during the Stones era, revealing the gender dynamics in the music industry of the 1960s and 70s.

Gold Dust Woman: The Biography of Stevie Nicks by Stephen Davis Presents the rock era through the experiences of a female icon who navigated the same music landscape as the Rolling Stones.

🎸 The book spans exactly 60 years of Rolling Stones history, from their first performance at London's Marquee Club in 1962 to their 60th anniversary in 2022. 🎼 Author Lesley-Ann Jones brings unique insight as a veteran music journalist who covered the band extensively during the 1980s and maintained close relationships with many in their inner circle. 👗 The book reveals how Anita Pallenberg, Keith Richards' long-term partner, was instrumental in crafting the band's signature aesthetic, influencing their fashion choices and overall image throughout the late 1960s. 🌟 Among the untold stories, the book explores how Marianne Faithfull actually wrote the first verse of "Sister Morphine" but initially received no credit or royalties for her contribution. 🎭 The narrative includes perspectives from over 30 women who were integral to the band's story, including wives, girlfriends, backup singers, and industry professionals whose voices were previously underrepresented in Stones historiography.