The Rolling Stones In the Beginning: With Unseen Images

by Bent Rej

A unique portrait of a band on the brink of superstardom.
From March 1965 to May 1966, photographer Bent Rej enjoyed unparalleled access to the Rolling Stones as one of the trusted inner circle, accompanying the band on its first full European outing: the Satisfaction tour.

The Rolling Stones In the Beginning is Rej's collection of more than 300 intimate photographs of the band on stage, on the road and at home, documenting a year in the life of the Rolling Stones as they enjoyed their first taste of popular success.

This new and updated edition contains never-before-seen photographs newly unearthed from Rej's archive.

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.