Doug…you should react to The Who’s performance at this same show. It’s pretty epic and allegedly was the reason the Stones didn’t release their performance for many years.
Absolutely, The Who’s performance is the best… Brian Jones brings down the Stones performance, pretty out of it… Jagger’s take over as the leader of the band…
Was just about to come here and say this, The Quick One Whiles Hes Away is amongst the best performances from this whole concert. Jethro Tull is no slouch either.
Doug - love the channel. Making my first ever youtube comment to let you know that you should find a way to watch the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus in its glorious entirety - you will not be disappointed. I find the performance from Taj Mahal to be particularly excellent. Cheers!
As I said in the premier chat, Jagger has said that the origins of this song came from reading MIkhail Bulgakov's novel "Master and Margarita", where Satan shows up in Stalinist Moscow, and all hell breaks loose (literally and figuratively). The main thrust of Bulgakov's novel (which got him in serious trouble with Stalin for writing and publishing it), is that there's nothing so uniquely evil to the Devil that we don't see similar or worse done by ourselves to each other -- or by our governments to us. The novel is a fascinating read, but not the easiest. There's a lot of cultural information that you can only glean from footnotes or front/backmatter essays, and on top of that, the "magical realism" writing style can turn some readers off. Great reaction and looking forward to another year of fun and learning here in the Daily Doug!
I had no idea! Master and Margarita is a top 5 novel for me! "Neither the conductress nor the passengers were struck by the essence of the matter: not just that a cat was boarding a tram-car, which would have been good enough, but that he was going to pay!"
Yes, yes, yes!!!! Reportedly, the Who's performance overshadowed the Stones' enough that they refused to released it for many year. IIRC the WHo's movie "The Kids Are Alright" was the 1st time the clip was widely seen.
@@ArmandoMPR Respectfully disagree and I'm a huge Stones fan. The Who's performance was the reason it was never released until many years later. Brian Jones was a mess and barely able to perform at this point.
@@LSqrd1960 There was nothing like the performance of The Dirty Mac , at the rock and roll circus Same show. The ultimate super group that ever existed only performed one song “Yer blues” One of the greatest drummers of all time, Mitch Mitchell of the Jimi Hendrix experience was on drum Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones played bass… No guitar but base Eric Clapton played lead guitar And John Lennon wrote the song, sing it, and played rhythm guitar Even for one song in one concert or ceremony anywhere… Would you get four bigger better performers than that
@@luigirenzi380 There was nothing like the performance of The Dirty Mac , at the rock and roll circus Same show. The ultimate super group that ever existed only performed one song “Yer blues” One of the greatest drummers of all time, Mitch Mitchell of the Jimi Hendrix experience was on drum Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones played bass… No guitar but base Eric Clapton played lead guitar And John Lennon wrote the song, sing it, and played rhythm guitar Even for one song in one concert or ceremony anywhere… Would you get four bigger better performers than that
I have always viewed this song (rightly or wrongly) about the idea that don't just blame "The Devil" for all evil things that have happened. For who WAS the the devil, each time? What WAS the Devil's name? "It was you and me". MAN did all those evil things. Whether provoked by the Devil or otherwise. I was only thinking about this a few weeks ago, watching Series 2 of (the IMO massively-maligned) "The Rings of Power". There, yes evil Sauron, the Satan of Tolkien's world, provoked it all. But by taking advantage of what was already there in the hearts of elves (especially Celebrimbor) and men.
A Jun-Luc Goddard film called Sympathy For The Devil is worth checking out. Lot of it is rather trippy but it features footage of the Stones coming up with the arrangement for the song.
The song played by the Dirty Mac was Yer Blues, originally released on the Beatles' White Album. If you could, check on the song intro conversación between John and Mick.
Whenever I listen to this song, I always picture a dude in a tailored black suit, leaning in, hand out stretched for a handshake, with a goatee, and the greatest con man's smile you've ever seen.
Taj Mahal is not a group. He's an excellent blues singer and multi-instrumentalist who also appeared in 'The Blues Brothers' movie. (He's the one doing the peace & love signs at the end). I had the chance to meet him and hang with him and his family 40 years ago, a great guy indeed!
One of my favourite UA-cam videos is of him trying his hand at Gilbert & Sullivan with Todd and Michelle Rundgren. If you haven't seen it you're in for a treat.
Just learned about passing of Garth Hudson the multi instrumentalist of The Band. So meaningful if you could do a reaction to the song "Chest Fever". Sometime soon please and thanks for your videos, much appreciated 👍👍
Doug - please pay particular attention to pianist Nicky Hopkins. He was a studio musician (he wasn't hale enough, healthwise, to tour) back in the 60s... see especially his piano work on The Rolling Stones song SHE'S A RAINBOW and John Lennon's song JEALOUS GUY (a song, which John started in the Beatles called CHILD OF NATURE).
You speaking of your move toward classical music just reminded me of a radio interview I heard a long time ago I can't remember whether it was james brown or Bill haley that was being interviewed but a question about classical music was asked and the reply was we aren't doing anything Mozart hasn't already done
😎👍 This wasn't the first time that Jagger & Richards composed a tune with that Mixolydian progression. "The Last Time" from 1965 utilizes the exact same chord changes. 😈
Sympathy for the Devil was influenced by the decadent/symbolist 19th century French poet Charles Baudelaire's 'Les Fleurs du mal' - Flowers of Evil, based on a book given to Jagger by his stunning culturally/intellectually sophisticated, inamorata, 60's femme fatale Marianne faithfull - 'The Master and Margarita', written during the Stalinist era by Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov. The story concerns a visit by the devil to the officially atheistic Soviet Union. The Master and Margarita combines supernatural elements with satirical dark comedy and Christian philosophy, defying categorization within a single genre. Many critics consider it to be one of the best novels of the 20th century, as well as the foremost of Soviet satires. Sympathy for the Devil is considered one of the 60's greatest counterculture songs of warning and should be viewed as a companion piece to the Stones apocalyptic Gimme Shelter, Street Fighting Man and Dylan's/Hendrix All Along the Watchtower. These song represent the revolutionary turbulence taking place in the West in 1968. Sympathy is a song of dread and foreboding that represents the dark side of the 60's and the frailty of human morality. The lyrics: 'I watched with glee While your kings and queens Fought for ten decades For the gods they made' A reference to 'The Hundred Years War' a series of armed conflicts between the kingdoms of England and France during the Late Middle Ages. As for Jagger's voice its a fabulous, perfect for the song, a mixture of hauteur, contempt, derision and mockery filtered through a camp Dylanesque Blues drawl; perfect for the character of Lucifer, 'A man of wealth and taste.'
I think Keith played bass on the Beggar’s Banquet version, and he used a rare as hen’s teeth VOX UL730 in the studio to get that nasty icepicky lead that is somehow perfect for the song,
SUGGESTION FOR YOUR NEXT ROLLING STONES Reaction : The Rolling Stones - Can't You Hear Me Knocking - Live OFFICIAL ( with this official version you will get : a saxophone solo , a Mick Jagger harmonica solo , a Ron Wood solo and Keth Richards "in the zone " )
I would like to hear what you would have to say about Midnight Rambler (particularly the live version from Get Yer Ya Yas out), She’s A Rainbow, Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’ and other Stones songs.
10:35, 12:50 The crowd reminds me of the Transylvanians from Rocky Horror Picture Show. I wonder if that movie's Time Warp scene was a deliberate homage to this gig.
You’ve got to do The Who’s A Quick One from a Rock & Roll circus.. only 1/2 the audio was available on The Kids are Alright. I remember walking down to The Wiz on Steinway & Broadway in Astoria Queens and seeing the just released VHS.. having read about The Rock & Roll Circus in various books it was mindblowing to see .. Tull w/ Tony Iommi from Sabbath in it, Evangelic Marion Fauthfull, Jesse Ed Davis & Taj Mahal.. I could go on.. doesn’t have to be complicated to blow your mind, swagger and attitude In spades and this was about 30 hrs into filming no less .. great review as always..
Why oh why this was hidden away for so long beats me, this is the Stones best live performance of "Sympathy for the Devil" raw & beautiful, Mick giving his all, & as you say Doug, Brian's last live performance, so what that the Who's performance outshone them. The Rock & Roll Circus is an epic & memorable piece of work.
Yep, the 60's were the years of Hippies, psychedelics, some of the greatest jamming ever, musicians and bands that will never grow old. Yep...young people knew how to jam and party...!! I was 16 in 1968 and what fantastic music I grew up with. I have always liked Sympathy for the Devil. It is a real deep and revealing song about Satan and how he operates.
Speaking of Taj Mahal, he's well worth a deeper look. His musicology and knowledge of American Music is unmatched and his playing and singing are a delight. Check him out, Doug! As for TheStones, I've often felt that it's Keith's band and Mick's the co- songwriter and canary.
Hello Doug! This is one of my favorite songs. Such a weird and unique song, I can't get enough! Another Masterpiece is Take Me Back to Eden by Sleep Token, give 'em a listen!!
On the Hackney Diamonds tour, when they do Sympathy, Mick doesn’t sing the words about the “kings and queens….and the Kennedy’s” anymore. He skips that entire segment of the song.
Doug Helvering: Happy New Year to you and yours. I quite enjoy your "reaction & analysis", along with you sharing your musical expertise. John Lennon's "YER BLUES" that is performed on this TV special, taped on December 11-12, 1968, was brand new, as it was a track off of "The Beatles" (a.k.a. "The White Album") which had been released less than a month earlier on November 22. There's at least two full takes on UA-cam of "The Dirty Mac" performing it on "The Rock and Roll Circus".
The Dirty Mac performance (I’m at least pretty sure) exists on Spotify. Whether or not theirs a UA-cam video I have no idea, but I feel like I’ve personally listened to it at one point or another and I really enjoyed it
4:30 look at Jethro Tull playing there.. their guitarist plays left hended.. and hardly uses his midlefinger on the fretboard.. yup.. Toni Iommi of Black Sabbath
As an Atheist I always find it funny when people refer to the like s of Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, or even people like Charles Manson, Jim Jones, Jeffrey Dahmer, etc... as "monsters", or "devils", or "demons". No, all those people were human. Dehumanizing them is a self-preservation reflex in order to put a barrier between them and us. But that barrier is only in our minds. All the evil that is happening in the world is not supernatural: it is done BY humans TO humans.
Many comments will highlight that the Who stole the show at RNR Circus. Indeed, that is true. They were incredibly honed as a live act and fresh off their lengthy North American Tour. No other band could match them on a live stage at this period. That said, context is essential. Unlike the Who, the Stones were not honed as a live act. They opted not to tour for two years (it would end up being three years) due to mounting legal issues, perpetual harassment from the British authorities, and the physical and mental deterioration of founding member Brian Jones. As seen at Circus, Brian is in a pitiful state-so much so that the Who’s Pete Townshend expressed sincere concern to the other Stones members. Pete used to refer to Brian as a “pretty sheepdog,” but by this time, Brian’s looks had waned due to his hard living, partying ways. Here, he even has a broken arm, which further hindered his playing. Sadly, RNR Circus marks his last live appearance with the Stones. Despite Brian’s decline, RNR Circus is the Stones barely getting back into live music after the long layoff and nearly a year of flirting with baroque pop and psychedelia; it’s a band rediscovering their mojo after their brilliant 1968, which saw them release the single “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” a triumphant comeback song, and one of the greatest rock albums of the 1960s, Beggars Banquet. Other reasons why this was a difficult show: the Stones were practically coordinating the entire production. Jagger was acting as part producer and director, and many of the band members had been up for two days. Lastly, they did not get to perform until 2 am. By the end, as heard on “Salt of the Earth,” Jagger’s voice is hoarse and almost gone. Townshend admits the Stones were usurped by everyone that night, including Marianne Faithfull’s beauty, but also acknowledges his astonishment that they could find the energy to perform, especially Jagger, whom he says did everything he could to will his band to the top, but they're just not honed yet. All in all, RNR Circus is a great showcase for the Stones, but primarily aesthetically. They're far from bad, but nowhere near what they would be in the Mick Taylor era. That's why it is crucial to react to live Stones, circa 1969-73, when they truly were the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band on the planet.
I'd like you to do "Satisfaction." I'm interested in what you think of how the part that acts like a verse musically has the lyrics that repeat, and the part that acts like the chorus musically has the lyrics that change
Doug, you also have to do A Quick One, by The Who, the best performance on this program. Pete’s first attempt and writing a mini opera, or an extended piece… A MUST… ✌️
Taj Mahal isn't a band, he's an American blues and jazz singer/guitar player. His version of Statesboro Blues was Duane Allman's early inspiration on slide guitar. You should do a couple videos on Taj Mahal.
I used to love it in my childhood, today I wonder why. It's not because I concider RS a bad band, they still have some 15-20 good songs among a sea of strangely constructed stuff, I think it's a matter of aging. Today I'd rather choose music like this - ua-cam.com/video/3o-DTUXXjNE/v-deo.html ( for those who share my point of view )
Taj Mahal is a blues singer, not a band. lol He was the black guy, wearing denim, with the large rimmed hat, they zoomed in on after Pete Townsend. The show was never aired. It was scrapped. The only footage that saw the light of day was The Who's performance that ended up in "The Kids Are Alright" documentary. The full show was finally released on DVD in 1996. It also marks the last performance of Brian Jones with the band.
Please continue on with Rock and Roll Circus performances, Jethro Tull (with Tony Iommi on guitar), The Dirty Mac, and the highlight of the show, The Who
Jethro Tull’s performance is completely mimed except for Ian Anderson’s flute and vocals. Everything else is a tape. That said, it is cool to see them during this period when Iommi was on guitar.
The Rolling Stones did creat Their Satanic Majesty Request. Their album's response to Sgt Pepper. I would be surprised if you haven't heard "She's a Rainbow." If not, gave it a try.
Doug, you should react to the band "Sleep Token" and the song "Take me back to eden". PLEASE. This is a band that has taken the Rock/metal scene by storm.
The 'Stones n The Park' film version is pretty interesting-Hyde Park 1969, Brian had just passed. This show was also King Crimson's big break as support act, unfortunately not recorded on the film...
Doug, have you every listened Bloodywood? They're Indian folk metal band. They're amazing. I bet their songs will surly amaze you. Recently they collaborated with BABYMETAL. You should check it out😊!!!!!!
I`m not the greatest Stones fan, but this song is my personal self. Like so many people out there : Devil and Angel. It`s me in disguise. But one hell of a hymn to our society !
If, perchance, you're interested in Mick's dance moves, gestures, etc... take a look at Tina Turner from the same period. They were friends and she taught him many moves...
It's nice to have talented friends. You should check out Bill Wyman's Monkey Grip album just to see who all he has playing on the record. Also, did you happen to see the mini-series The Stand by Steven King? One of the lines of the movie is the devil talking to a guy that ends up as his lieutenant. The devil says, "Pleased to meet you, hope you guessed my name." I thought that was hilarious! Also, FZ does a song about the devil on his Live In NY album. It's called t*tties and beer. It's also hilarious.
The conflict between Mick Jones and the rest of the Stones was that Jones only wanted the Stones to be a rock & roll cover band for blues tunes. Mick and Keith (especially Keith) wanted to write originals. Brian started getting deeper and deeper into drugs and booze and further alienated himself from the band. Think about that: He was so deep into drugs that he managed to worry and piss off Keith. That's no mean feat. By far my favorite song. Great video as always, Doug!
Brian Jones died of heroin overdose later that year. The lyrics are great; people have varied perspectives. I like the lead guitar on this version a bit better than in the original because it spends more time in mid-tones; the original is so bright and high that it almost floats untethered above the rest of the instruments. With such a tonal separation I wonder if it would be noticed if the lead were played in a completely different key.
Brian Jones drowned At around midnight on the night of 2-3 July 1969 The coroner's report stated it was a drowning, later clarified as "death by misadventure"
This Circus is a worthy choice. The concert film was broadcasted several times in the last years from the french/german TV-Sender Arte. Well, Mick gave the circus director too. It was wise to kept singing then. 😉 Here some humble suggestions. Tom Jones Song: Sixteen Tons on Album: Green, Green Grass Of Home The song is from 1947 and got tons of cover (sry for the tons). After Tom Jones someone has to offer something special for the next cover, so: Artist: Geoff Castellucci Give him a try! ua-cam.com/video/fzlT80jQ3lo/v-deo.html One more from Tom Jones. Song: Sexbomb Album: Reload (He was 59 when he made this one. I'm older then that today and fucking jealous.) And one more artist Barry Ryan Song: Eloise Position 86 in US-billboards - a shame Thank you for your channel - real good stuff.
Hi Doug, yes it wasn't shown in the UK until 1996. I think it would have been sooner if parts of the film hadn't gone missing and got rediscovered in the 80's and early 90's. Maybe only Mick is really shown as the other guys were a bit high affecting their performance. Great song but there are better versions.
Yeah. You're really going to have to react to The Who's A Quick One While he is Away from the same show. You've done The Who live at Leads, but you missed out on Pete's windmills, Roger swinging the mic around, Keith's antics, and John..... well..... standing there, but doing it cool and hands are flying up and down his bass.
The Studio version of this song is superior, sonically, and this performance, as interesting as it is doesn't do it justice. I agree with other commenters that The Who's A Quick One While He's Away is a great one to react to, from this same show.
It's ironic that the period is considered prime, when at the time this was filmed, the British tabloids were saying that Stones were likely done and due to break up. They hadn't played or produced any new music for months, and Brian would end up dying during the editing of this special. So, while The Who's performance is very rightly the peak, there were other things going that helped lead to it not being released for the longest time. Yoko's performance art song after The Dirty Mac's performance of "Yer Blues" is my personal low point.
Doug…you should react to The Who’s performance at this same show. It’s pretty epic and allegedly was the reason the Stones didn’t release their performance for many years.
Absolutely, The Who’s performance is the best… Brian Jones brings down the Stones performance, pretty out of it… Jagger’s take over as the leader of the band…
Agreed
Was just about to come here and say this, The Quick One Whiles Hes Away is amongst the best performances from this whole concert. Jethro Tull is no slouch either.
Yes! I first heard that version of 'A Quick One' in the movie Rushmore and loved it since.
@@ryanbenedetti-kp2yx Tull performance was pretaped except for the vocals though ... A Quick One is incredible here
Doug - love the channel. Making my first ever youtube comment to let you know that you should find a way to watch the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus in its glorious entirety - you will not be disappointed. I find the performance from Taj Mahal to be particularly excellent. Cheers!
As I said in the premier chat, Jagger has said that the origins of this song came from reading MIkhail Bulgakov's novel "Master and Margarita", where Satan shows up in Stalinist Moscow, and all hell breaks loose (literally and figuratively).
The main thrust of Bulgakov's novel (which got him in serious trouble with Stalin for writing and publishing it), is that there's nothing so uniquely evil to the Devil that we don't see similar or worse done by ourselves to each other -- or by our governments to us.
The novel is a fascinating read, but not the easiest. There's a lot of cultural information that you can only glean from footnotes or front/backmatter essays, and on top of that, the "magical realism" writing style can turn some readers off.
Great reaction and looking forward to another year of fun and learning here in the Daily Doug!
Yes, one of my all-time favourite novels. Mick Jagger was introduced to the novel by his girlfriend and muse, Marianne Faithful.
I had no idea! Master and Margarita is a top 5 novel for me!
"Neither the conductress nor the passengers were struck by the essence of the matter: not just that a cat was boarding a tram-car, which would have been good enough, but that he was going to pay!"
Doug, the Who's performance is the best!! A Quick One! Masterful!
Nah, this one was better
Yes, yes, yes!!!! Reportedly, the Who's performance overshadowed the Stones' enough that they refused to released it for many year. IIRC the WHo's movie "The Kids Are Alright" was the 1st time the clip was widely seen.
@@ArmandoMPR Respectfully disagree and I'm a huge Stones fan. The Who's performance was the reason it was never released until many years later. Brian Jones was a mess and barely able to perform at this point.
@@LSqrd1960 There was nothing like the performance of The Dirty Mac , at the rock and roll circus
Same show.
The ultimate super group that ever existed only performed one song
“Yer blues”
One of the greatest drummers of all time, Mitch Mitchell of the Jimi Hendrix experience was on drum
Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones played bass… No guitar but base
Eric Clapton played lead guitar
And John Lennon wrote the song, sing it, and played rhythm guitar
Even for one song in one concert or ceremony anywhere… Would you get four bigger better performers than that
@@luigirenzi380 There was nothing like the performance of The Dirty Mac , at the rock and roll circus
Same show.
The ultimate super group that ever existed only performed one song
“Yer blues”
One of the greatest drummers of all time, Mitch Mitchell of the Jimi Hendrix experience was on drum
Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones played bass… No guitar but base
Eric Clapton played lead guitar
And John Lennon wrote the song, sing it, and played rhythm guitar
Even for one song in one concert or ceremony anywhere… Would you get four bigger better performers than that
That is from the same show that Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath played as a member of Jethro Tull..!!!
This has to be one of my favorite Rolling Stones songs
🤘🏼🤘🏼
yep. this and Under my Thumb are tied for me.
I have always viewed this song (rightly or wrongly) about the idea that don't just blame "The Devil" for all evil things that have happened. For who WAS the the devil, each time? What WAS the Devil's name? "It was you and me". MAN did all those evil things. Whether provoked by the Devil or otherwise.
I was only thinking about this a few weeks ago, watching Series 2 of (the IMO massively-maligned) "The Rings of Power". There, yes evil Sauron, the Satan of Tolkien's world, provoked it all. But by taking advantage of what was already there in the hearts of elves (especially Celebrimbor) and men.
A Jun-Luc Goddard film called Sympathy For The Devil is worth checking out. Lot of it is rather trippy but it features footage of the Stones coming up with the arrangement for the song.
The song played by the Dirty Mac was Yer Blues, originally released on the Beatles' White Album. If you could, check on the song intro conversación between John and Mick.
I love your intro, and I try to harmonize with the vocal masterpiece! Also, you look like and act like my older brother and I love that about you!
The Dirty Mac was John Lennon's band.He just asked a couple of friends to get together and play with him
Whenever I listen to this song, I always picture a dude in a tailored black suit, leaning in, hand out stretched for a handshake, with a goatee, and the greatest con man's smile you've ever seen.
I've heard this version of this song but have never seen this video. Nice find, and thanks, Mike Arlo FOX 106.9
If you ever seen them live Mick usually has a huge stage, and uses every inch of it.
You should check out this whole movie Doug. Jethro Tull & The Who's performances are awesome!
Tony Iommi playing guitar for Jethro Tull.
@@stevecanfield8089- The Jethro Tull performance was a playback
Toni Iommi's didn't actually play.
Taj Mahal is not a group. He's an excellent blues singer and multi-instrumentalist who also appeared in 'The Blues Brothers' movie. (He's the one doing the peace & love signs at the end). I had the chance to meet him and hang with him and his family 40 years ago, a great guy indeed!
One of my favourite UA-cam videos is of him trying his hand at Gilbert & Sullivan with Todd and Michelle Rundgren. If you haven't seen it you're in for a treat.
A terribly underappreciated musician.
@@michaellaporte4951 True
Just learned about passing of Garth Hudson the multi instrumentalist of The Band.
So meaningful if you could do a reaction to the song "Chest Fever". Sometime soon please and thanks for your videos, much appreciated 👍👍
Doug - please pay particular attention to pianist Nicky Hopkins. He was a studio musician (he wasn't hale enough, healthwise, to tour) back in the 60s... see especially his piano work on The Rolling Stones song SHE'S A RAINBOW and John Lennon's song JEALOUS GUY (a song, which John started in the Beatles called CHILD OF NATURE).
You speaking of your move toward classical music just reminded me of a radio interview I heard a long time ago I can't remember whether it was james brown or Bill haley that was being interviewed but a question about classical music was asked and the reply was we aren't doing anything Mozart hasn't already done
😎👍 This wasn't the first time that Jagger & Richards composed a tune with that Mixolydian progression. "The Last Time" from 1965 utilizes the exact same chord changes. 😈
Stones at their best 👌
Sympathy for the Devil was influenced by the decadent/symbolist 19th century French poet Charles Baudelaire's 'Les Fleurs du mal' - Flowers of Evil, based on a book given to Jagger by his stunning culturally/intellectually sophisticated, inamorata, 60's femme fatale Marianne faithfull - 'The Master and Margarita', written during the Stalinist era by Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov. The story concerns a visit by the devil to the officially atheistic Soviet Union. The Master and Margarita combines supernatural elements with satirical dark comedy and Christian philosophy, defying categorization within a single genre. Many critics consider it to be one of the best novels of the 20th century, as well as the foremost of Soviet satires.
Sympathy for the Devil is considered one of the 60's greatest counterculture songs of warning and should be viewed as a companion piece to the Stones apocalyptic Gimme Shelter, Street Fighting Man and Dylan's/Hendrix All Along the Watchtower. These song represent the revolutionary turbulence taking place in the West in 1968. Sympathy is a song of dread and foreboding that represents the dark side of the 60's and the frailty of human morality.
The lyrics:
'I watched with glee
While your kings and queens
Fought for ten decades
For the gods they made'
A reference to 'The Hundred Years War' a series of armed conflicts between the kingdoms of England and France during the Late Middle Ages.
As for Jagger's voice its a fabulous, perfect for the song, a mixture of hauteur, contempt, derision and mockery filtered through a camp Dylanesque Blues drawl; perfect for the character of Lucifer, 'A man of wealth and taste.'
I think Keith played bass on the Beggar’s Banquet version, and he used a rare as hen’s teeth VOX UL730 in the studio to get that nasty icepicky lead that is somehow perfect for the song,
“Soak the marrow out of life.” says Dr. Doug 👍🎵💛🎶✌️
SUGGESTION FOR YOUR NEXT ROLLING STONES Reaction :
The Rolling Stones - Can't You Hear Me Knocking - Live OFFICIAL
( with this official version you will get : a saxophone solo , a Mick Jagger harmonica solo , a Ron Wood solo and Keth Richards "in the zone " )
I would like to hear what you would have to say about Midnight Rambler (particularly the live version from Get Yer Ya Yas out), She’s A Rainbow, Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’ and other Stones songs.
10:35, 12:50 The crowd reminds me of the Transylvanians from Rocky Horror Picture Show. I wonder if that movie's Time Warp scene was a deliberate homage to this gig.
You’ve got to do The Who’s A Quick One from a Rock & Roll circus.. only 1/2 the audio was available on The Kids are Alright. I remember walking down to The Wiz on Steinway & Broadway in Astoria Queens and seeing the just released VHS.. having read about The Rock & Roll Circus in various books it was mindblowing to see .. Tull w/ Tony Iommi from Sabbath in it, Evangelic Marion Fauthfull, Jesse Ed Davis & Taj Mahal.. I could go on.. doesn’t have to be complicated to blow your mind, swagger and attitude In spades and this was about 30 hrs into filming no less .. great review as always..
Why oh why this was hidden away for so long beats me, this is the Stones best live performance of "Sympathy for the Devil" raw & beautiful, Mick giving his all, & as you say Doug, Brian's last live performance, so what that the Who's performance outshone them. The Rock & Roll Circus is an epic & memorable piece of work.
Yep, the 60's were the years of Hippies, psychedelics, some of the greatest jamming ever, musicians and bands that will never grow old. Yep...young people knew how to jam and party...!!
I was 16 in 1968 and what fantastic music I grew up with. I have always liked Sympathy for the Devil. It is a real deep and revealing song about Satan and how he operates.
Always enjoyed this Stones Song. Including the instrumental version from the movie "Jericho Mile".
Speaking of Taj Mahal, he's well worth a deeper look. His musicology and knowledge of American Music is unmatched and his playing and singing are a delight. Check him out, Doug! As for TheStones, I've often felt that it's Keith's band and Mick's the co- songwriter and canary.
Mick was inspired to write this song after reading the book The Master and Margarita
First, a huge thank you for this channel.
Second, the Dirty Mac version of “Yer Blues” is on UA-cam and definitely worth watching.
Hi from the uk
Probably my favourite stones number, and it's great that in his eighties he is still doing it long may they play on
Hello Doug! This is one of my favorite songs. Such a weird and unique song, I can't get enough!
Another Masterpiece is Take Me Back to Eden by Sleep Token, give 'em a listen!!
On the Hackney Diamonds tour, when they do Sympathy, Mick doesn’t sing the words about the “kings and queens….and the Kennedy’s” anymore. He skips that entire segment of the song.
Doug Helvering:
Happy New Year to you and yours.
I quite enjoy your "reaction & analysis", along with you sharing your musical expertise.
John Lennon's "YER BLUES" that is performed on this TV special, taped on December 11-12, 1968, was brand new, as it was a track off of "The Beatles" (a.k.a. "The White Album") which had been released less than a month earlier on November 22.
There's at least two full takes on UA-cam of "The Dirty Mac" performing it on "The Rock and Roll Circus".
The Dirty Mac performance (I’m at least pretty sure) exists on Spotify. Whether or not theirs a UA-cam video I have no idea, but I feel like I’ve personally listened to it at one point or another and I really enjoyed it
The guy at the end in the crowd with 2 hands up with peace sign is Taj Mahal.
Very cool. Need to go back and see him. Love Taj Mahal, especially with the Pointer Sisters singing 'Cake Walk into Town'.
I guess I am simple because this is my favorite Stones song.
I can just here stoned Brian slurring "ahhlll jussss play marahcuzz mahhnn... cuz thasss wha the song neeeedzz"
Doug instructed the rolling Stones on how to gather Moss.
This is why we love The Rolling Stones. They are eternal!
4:30 look at Jethro Tull playing there.. their guitarist plays left hended.. and hardly uses his midlefinger on the fretboard.. yup.. Toni Iommi of Black Sabbath
"When at the mall it was you and me"
WHEN AFTER ALL
@@JohnDoe-kt2ts Yup, thats what the lyric sheet says, but thats not what he sang at the circus.
Hey Doug! There's a new Dream Theater single for their upcoming album, it's name is A Broken Man! Sure you're gonna like it!
Just wondering when you reviewed the Grateful Dead’s live concert of Eyes of the World, did you watch the rest of the show? Thoughts if you did?
In Jethro Tull band play quitar the Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath,was in Jethro Tull for a week🤘
Brian Jones - backing vocals, acoustic guitar.
The other interesting thing about this show is that for this performance the guitarist for Jethro Tull was Tony Iommi - yes THAT Tony Iommi
I’m too stoned to provide meaningful commentary! Cheers!
As an Atheist I always find it funny when people refer to the like s of Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, or even people like Charles Manson, Jim Jones, Jeffrey Dahmer, etc... as "monsters", or "devils", or "demons". No, all those people were human. Dehumanizing them is a self-preservation reflex in order to put a barrier between them and us. But that barrier is only in our minds. All the evil that is happening in the world is not supernatural: it is done BY humans TO humans.
Great choice - I've never seen this version before
The video window could be a bit bigger 🙂
Thanks Doug.
They used to take a lot of weird shit back then
The Who's performance is amazing. Jethro Tull in this performance has Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) on guitar.
This is from the Rock & Roll Circus. Pete Townshend, Taj Mahal, John Lennon, Jethro Tull and a bunch of other artists were there.
Many comments will highlight that the Who stole the show at RNR Circus. Indeed, that is true. They were incredibly honed as a live act and fresh off their lengthy North American Tour. No other band could match them on a live stage at this period.
That said, context is essential. Unlike the Who, the Stones were not honed as a live act. They opted not to tour for two years (it would end up being three years) due to mounting legal issues, perpetual harassment from the British authorities, and the physical and mental deterioration of founding member Brian Jones.
As seen at Circus, Brian is in a pitiful state-so much so that the Who’s Pete Townshend expressed sincere concern to the other Stones members. Pete used to refer to Brian as a “pretty sheepdog,” but by this time, Brian’s looks had waned due to his hard living, partying ways. Here, he even has a broken arm, which further hindered his playing. Sadly, RNR Circus marks his last live appearance with the Stones.
Despite Brian’s decline, RNR Circus is the Stones barely getting back into live music after the long layoff and nearly a year of flirting with baroque pop and psychedelia; it’s a band rediscovering their mojo after their brilliant 1968, which saw them release the single “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” a triumphant comeback song, and one of the greatest rock albums of the 1960s, Beggars Banquet.
Other reasons why this was a difficult show: the Stones were practically coordinating the entire production. Jagger was acting as part producer and director, and many of the band members had been up for two days.
Lastly, they did not get to perform until 2 am. By the end, as heard on “Salt of the Earth,” Jagger’s voice is hoarse and almost gone. Townshend admits the Stones were usurped by everyone that night, including Marianne Faithfull’s beauty, but also acknowledges his astonishment that they could find the energy to perform, especially Jagger, whom he says did everything he could to will his band to the top, but they're just not honed yet.
All in all, RNR Circus is a great showcase for the Stones, but primarily aesthetically. They're far from bad, but nowhere near what they would be in the Mick Taylor era. That's why it is crucial to react to live Stones, circa 1969-73, when they truly were the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band on the planet.
I am waiting for "orbit culture" on this channel. "From the inside" or "Saw" for starters 🤩
Una de mis canciones preferidas de los Stones. Saludos desde buenos Aires, Argentina !!
I'd like you to do "Satisfaction." I'm interested in what you think of how the part that acts like a verse musically has the lyrics that repeat, and the part that acts like the chorus musically has the lyrics that change
There's 2 versions of the dirty mac video..2nd take was used I think for the tv .if u do a review.get the mick and john sketch in it also 😊
I love the sound profile on the 99 classics, one of my all time favorites.
Doug, you also have to do A Quick One, by The Who, the best performance on this program. Pete’s first attempt and writing a mini opera, or an extended piece… A MUST… ✌️
Never seen this version, it's great!!
I have the CD of Rock and Roll Circus, and I saw the whole show a couple of times. It's great!
Taj Mahal isn't a band, he's an American blues and jazz singer/guitar player. His version of Statesboro Blues was Duane Allman's early inspiration on slide guitar. You should do a couple videos on Taj Mahal.
Saw him open for Bonnie Raitt and absolutely brought it.. 1/3 of the time was Taj 1/3 was Taj and Bonnie and the last third it was Bonnie. Good times
Take a Giant Step 🎼🎶🎼🎶🤠
There is also a good cover of Sympathy for the devil made by the Hellacopters and Tobias Forge from Ghost
Motorhead also did a very good cover
I used to love it in my childhood, today I wonder why. It's not because I concider RS a bad band, they still have some 15-20 good songs among a sea of strangely constructed stuff, I think it's a matter of aging. Today I'd rather choose music like this - ua-cam.com/video/3o-DTUXXjNE/v-deo.html ( for those who share my point of view )
I could imagine witnessing this back then at an impressionable age and believing Satan wasn’t a bad singer
Taj Mahal is a blues singer, not a band. lol He was the black guy, wearing denim, with the large rimmed hat, they zoomed in on after Pete Townsend. The show was never aired. It was scrapped. The only footage that saw the light of day was The Who's performance that ended up in "The Kids Are Alright" documentary. The full show was finally released on DVD in 1996. It also marks the last performance of Brian Jones with the band.
You should see Mick today at80. Just as skinny. Maybe even more energy. That’s him!
We were lucky growing up in England in the 1960s and 1970s. Being exposed to this.music daily.
Please continue on with Rock and Roll Circus performances, Jethro Tull (with Tony Iommi on guitar), The Dirty Mac, and the highlight of the show, The Who
Jethro Tull’s performance is completely mimed except for Ian Anderson’s flute and vocals. Everything else is a tape. That said, it is cool to see them during this period when Iommi was on guitar.
The Rolling Stones did creat Their Satanic Majesty Request. Their album's response to Sgt Pepper. I would be surprised if you haven't heard "She's a Rainbow." If not, gave it a try.
Doug, you should react to the band "Sleep Token" and the song "Take me back to eden". PLEASE. This is a band that has taken the Rock/metal scene by storm.
It is one of my favs. Saw Willie K cover it live opening for Jack Johnson. Best version I have ever heard. The original is great though.
I love the bluesy parts in this.
The 'Stones n The Park' film version is pretty interesting-Hyde Park 1969, Brian had just passed. This show was also King Crimson's big break as support act, unfortunately not recorded on the film...
Doug, have you every listened Bloodywood? They're Indian folk metal band. They're amazing. I bet their songs will surly amaze you. Recently they collaborated with BABYMETAL.
You should check it out😊!!!!!!
The old good Rolling Stones🤘
I`m not the greatest Stones fan, but this song is my personal self. Like so many people out there : Devil and Angel. It`s me in disguise. But one hell of a hymn to our society !
If, perchance, you're interested in Mick's dance moves, gestures, etc... take a look at Tina Turner from the same period.
They were friends and she taught him many moves...
It's nice to have talented friends. You should check out Bill Wyman's Monkey Grip album just to see who all he has playing on the record.
Also, did you happen to see the mini-series The Stand by Steven King? One of the lines of the movie is the devil talking to a guy that ends up as his lieutenant. The devil says, "Pleased to meet you, hope you guessed my name." I thought that was hilarious!
Also, FZ does a song about the devil on his Live In NY album. It's called t*tties and beer. It's also hilarious.
The conflict between Mick Jones and the rest of the Stones was that Jones only wanted the Stones to be a rock & roll cover band for blues tunes. Mick and Keith (especially Keith) wanted to write originals. Brian started getting deeper and deeper into drugs and booze and further alienated himself from the band. Think about that: He was so deep into drugs that he managed to worry and piss off Keith. That's no mean feat.
By far my favorite song. Great video as always, Doug!
Is that the Mick Jones from Foreigner or the one from the Clash?
Doug... you should check the OST from Castlevania Rondo of Blood, it's so good.
Jethro Tull had Toni Iomi on guitar at this show.
Brian Jones died of heroin overdose later that year.
The lyrics are great; people have varied perspectives.
I like the lead guitar on this version a bit better than in the original because it spends more time in mid-tones; the original is so bright and high that it almost floats untethered above the rest of the instruments. With such a tonal separation I wonder if it would be noticed if the lead were played in a completely different key.
Brian Jones drowned At around midnight on the night of 2-3 July 1969 The coroner's report stated it was a drowning, later clarified as "death by misadventure"
This Circus is a worthy choice. The concert film was broadcasted several times in the last years from the french/german TV-Sender Arte. Well, Mick gave the circus director too. It was wise to kept singing then. 😉
Here some humble suggestions.
Tom Jones
Song: Sixteen Tons on Album: Green, Green Grass Of Home
The song is from 1947 and got tons of cover (sry for the tons).
After Tom Jones someone has to offer something special for the next cover, so: Artist: Geoff Castellucci Give him a try!
ua-cam.com/video/fzlT80jQ3lo/v-deo.html
One more from Tom Jones.
Song: Sexbomb Album: Reload (He was 59 when he made this one. I'm older then that today and fucking jealous.)
And one more artist
Barry Ryan
Song: Eloise
Position 86 in US-billboards - a shame
Thank you for your channel - real good stuff.
Hi Doug, yes it wasn't shown in the UK until 1996. I think it would have been sooner if parts of the film hadn't gone missing and got rediscovered in the 80's and early 90's. Maybe only Mick is really shown as the other guys were a bit high affecting their performance. Great song but there are better versions.
This song is as old as me and has arguably aged better...
Please do the Who at the same stage ! It's astonishing!
Yeah. You're really going to have to react to The Who's A Quick One While he is Away from the same show. You've done The Who live at Leads, but you missed out on Pete's windmills, Roger swinging the mic around, Keith's antics, and John..... well..... standing there, but doing it cool and hands are flying up and down his bass.
Doug, a Frank Zappa you haven't done that I am sure you will enjoy is 'Stinkfoot'.
The Studio version of this song is superior, sonically, and this performance, as interesting as it is doesn't do it justice. I agree with other commenters that The Who's A Quick One While He's Away is a great one to react to, from this same show.
It's ironic that the period is considered prime, when at the time this was filmed, the British tabloids were saying that Stones were likely done and due to break up. They hadn't played or produced any new music for months, and Brian would end up dying during the editing of this special. So, while The Who's performance is very rightly the peak, there were other things going that helped lead to it not being released for the longest time. Yoko's performance art song after The Dirty Mac's performance of "Yer Blues" is my personal low point.
Back in 1968 it was very edgy to feature congas in a rock song
Doug you should review the cover of this done by the Hellacopters with Papa Emeritus IV singing.
Wait until you see Jethro Tull with Tony Iommi on Guitar…
Pllease reaction Daylight - Morfonica