The Rolling Stones: A Journey from Exile to a Landmark Album

In 1970, beneath the sparkling surface of rock star glamour, The Rolling Stones were drowning in disarray. As they jet-setted across the globe, their behind-the-scenes experience was marred by a tangled mess of financial disputes. Their manager, Allen Klein, had ensnared them in a complex web of dealings that spelled trouble for the band. Legal battles ensued over accusations of unremitted royalties, misappropriated publishing rights, and unpaid taxes, forcing a wedge between the Stones and Klein.

High taxes during Prime Minister Harold Wilson's Labour government regime—peaking at a staggering 93%—only added to their burdens. The era called for reflection on the essence and aftermath of the '60s, prompting a quest for a new direction.

Band members, feeling somewhat alienated within their own nation, came to a crossroads. Guitarist Keith Richards's musings captured the essence of their predicament: feeling pushed out, they resolved to relocate. As global citizens, they weren't anchored to England, having already cultivated a worldwide presence.

Exodus from England

The Stones embarked on a brief English farewell before departing for France. With Richards and actress Anita Pallenberg settling into Villa Nellcote, and other members like Mick Jagger and Bill Wyman finding their own spots in France, they sought to forge a new beginning. However, the comforts of home were missed, and the band grappled with adapting to their new environment. Even practical matters like acquiring familiar tea and dealing with different milk became poignant reminders of what they'd left behind.

Newcomer guitarist Mick Taylor was swept up in this whirl of change, reflecting the heady blend of lifestyle adjustments and the thrill of success. The Stones soon realized professional studios wouldn't be compatible with their needs and made do with a mobile truck and Richards's basement. This setup underscored a return to their musical essence, undiluted by external processes.

Their approach to recording became an organic mix of planning and spontaneity, as Richards embraced the unpredictability of creation, contrasting Jagger's more methodical inclinations.

The Making of 'Exile on Main St.'

As they welcomed new members, the Stones' sessions flourished into diverse musical explorations. A party-like atmosphere facilitated extensive jam sessions emitting traces of blues, country, and their vast influences.

The recording marathon was a dynamic process, dictated by the ebb and flow of creative energy and participation. Contributions from different members and guests ebbed and surged, with Richards leading spontaneous bursts that transformed into rock, finance, exile