The Rolling Stones: In the Beginning

by Bent Rej, Bill Wyman (Foreword)

300 intimate and rarely seen images. In 1960, childhood friends Keith Richards and Mick Jagger reconnected by chance on a train. More than 45 years later, the Rolling Stones remain superstars in the fickle world of rock 'n' roll. This collection of photographs provides a unique record of the band before they became the icons of rock. Most of these images have never been published before, making this book a must-have for the Stones' legion of fans. In the band's fledgling days, photographer Bent Rej enjoyed unique access to the group, entering their circle of trusted friends. He was invited on the Stones' first full European outing, the Satisfaction tour. These extraordinary photographs reveal a pivotal time in the history of rock. While reveling in the first fruits of popular success, the Stones were nevertheless unaware of what the future would hold. Only hindsight tells us that at this point they were perched on the edge of the heights (or abyss) of superstardom. Surprising, charismatic, scandalous, intense and reckless, here are the early Stones as never seen before.

Genres: Music

320 pages, Hardcover

First published August 17, 2006

Reviews

[Jaimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book that is full of admittedly contrived photos and covering such a short period of the Rolling Stones' career, I found this collection of images quite endearing. Rej portrays the Stones at a time before the rock and roll lifetyle came to dominate their story - so early in fact that the Stones look like fresh-faced babies in many of the photos. Contrary to the already crude and provocative words that were coming out of their mouths, of course, as they were always a little bit outside of the mainstream, but even stories of their allegedly poor behavior chronicled by Rej seem tame in comparison to their later escapades. Definitely a worthwhile collection.

[Don Siegrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only of interest to fans of the Rolling Stones. The author was apparently embedded with the Stones as a photographer during 1965-66. This was a pivotal time in their young careers as they moved from being a successful cover band in England to writing their own songs and gaining worldwide fame. In addition to his photos, he provides interesting insights about the band members, particularly Brian Jones, who during this time period went from being the leader of the group to being a frustrated outsider. Good stuff.

[Simon Sweetman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing photo archive.

[Tosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful beautiful pictures of The Rolling Stones during their first European tour. One of my favorite books, really.

[Rob Taber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pictures and look into the early days of the Stones from a photographer who was granted full access as a friend not just a journalist. Forward by Bill Wyman.

[Mickey Mantle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great pictures of the 1960s Stones.