I’m bringing the weekend to a close with the Rolling Stones,
a group that was almost as influential as the Beatles and is still going strong
today. While the early Beatles had a clean cut image, the Stones were the bad
boys. The group was originally formed by guitarist Brian Jones who hired most
of the others. But alcohol and drugs took their toll on him and in June, 1969
he was asked to leave the group. A month later, he was found dead in his
swimming pool. He was replaced by Mick Taylor, but Mick was a true lead
guitarist and didn’t fit the style of the group. He was replaced in 1975 by Ron
Wood, a former member of Jeff Beck’s band, and continues with the group today.
One of the Stone’s most infamous incidents was a concert
they gave at Altamont California. It was rumored that, on the recommendation of
the Grateful Dead, the Stones hired members of Hells Angels as the security. The
rumor has been denied over the years. Regardless, the concert was marred by
excessive violence. One man was stabbed to death in front of the cameras.
Hit-and-run drivers killed two people and scores were injured.
As a someone who lived through the Viet Nam war era and
sweated out the draft, their song “Gimme Shelter” has always been a favorite of
mine. The video I’ve included has pictures characteristic of the times. Check
out the lyrics sometime. They are quite poignant.
Down the road a piece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tzKajOTf_Y
Off the hook: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krWenYbyISc
Not fade away: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt_zum97kjE
If you need me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6xoCLLFEUk
Early concert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhFbpUGteMQ
Satisfaction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhNm3WI8myM
It’s all over now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYXpspbTFOk
Honky Tonk Women: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAfRnvW5ewE
Jumpin Jack Flash: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6lJ071MeKA
Sympathy for the devil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLddJ1WceHQ
Midnight Rambler: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRot9IjNSso
Gimme Shelter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3rnxQBizoU
The weather was
like spring yesterday. To me, mild weather means Pinot Noir, so with the Stones,
I recommend a 2010 Costa de Oro Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County. It’s a lighter, spicy style of Pinot Noir with strawberry
and cherry fruit aromas. The sweet red fruit aromas are carried onto a palate
full of fresh baked cherry pie with a buttery vanilla crust. A very nice Pinot Noir for drinking with the
music of history. Enjoy!
Cheers!
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