July

‘It’s Only Rock’n’Roll’ (Single)

With input from Ronnie Wood – who, true to the Stones’ dubious crediting practices, was listed as having merely ‘inspired’ the song – ‘It’s Only Rock’n’Roll’ was a joyous piece of fluff in comparison to their earlier work; and though it had a catchy hook (‘It’s only rock’n’roll but I like it…’), it only reached No. 10 in the UK (and No. 16 in the US), their lowest UK chart placing since their first single, ‘Come On’, which had reached No. 21 11 years previously.

October

It’s Only Rock’n’Roll (Album)

Failing to energize the band fully and lift them from their fallow period, the It’s Only Rock’n’Roll album – the first of many with production credited to ‘The Glimmer Twins’, a pseudonym for Mick and Keith and their jet-set, rock-star partnership – would be Mick Taylor’s last, and was largely a collection of riffs looking for songs, some Jamaican ska influence and a mess of unfocused ideas. Mick, virtually in charge of the band now, refused to let them go out on tour, which annoyed Keith, though he was in no condition to do or plan anything of note.

November

Mick Taylor Quits

After storming out of a fruitless band meeting in October, Mick Taylor left the group, partly out of boredom (they hadn’t toured in a year), a desire to record his own albums, and disappointment. He’d never really fitted in, and recording had become more painful than enjoyable (by way of persecution, Keith would often wipe guitar lines Taylor had laid down during the It’s Only Rock’n’Roll sessions). Handing in his notice as plans were being made for a 1975 tour, and just before starting new studio work, which infuriated Keith, who declared, ‘No one leaves this band except in a f***ing pine box.’

Personalities | Introducing The Rolling Stones
Personalities | The Rolling Stones (1975) | Key Events