The Rolling Stones are one of the most legendary and iconic rock bands of all time. For over 50 years, they have been making music and touring the world. However, some critics have accused them of being more focused on making money than making good music. Do The Rolling Stones sell out? There are arguments on both sides of this debate.
What Does “Selling Out” Mean?
In the context of music and entertainment, “selling out” refers to an artist compromising their integrity or vision in order to achieve mainstream commercial success. This could involve changing their sound to be more radio-friendly, licensing their songs for commercials, excessive touring only for money, or other perceived “greedy” practices. Purists often lament rock bands who get huge and continue touring into old age as not staying true to their roots.
Reasons Why People Say the Stones Have Sold Out
Here are some of the reasons critics accuse The Rolling Stones of being sellouts:
– They license their songs for use in TV commercials and Hollywood movies. Classic songs like “Start Me Up” and “Paint It Black” have been used in ads for brands like Microsoft and Apple. While lucrative, some see this as cheapening the artistic value of their work.
– They tour relentlessly. The Stones seem to never stop touring, leading some to think they care more about making money than making new music. Their Steel Wheels tour in 1989-1990 set records for highest-grossing tour at that time.
– They offer expensive VIP packages at shows. The Stones have platnium-level VIP packages for their shows that cost over $5,000 per ticket. These include backstage access and other perks showing they are profit-driven.
– Their tickets are very expensive. Considering the band members are all over 70, some see the high prices of Rolling Stones tickets as a cash grab.
– They make merchandising deals. The band has put their iconic logo and imagery on everything from t-shirts to credit cards. This kind of mass merchandising can seem more about money than art.
Reasons Why The Stones Haven’t Sold Out
However, there are also good arguments that the Rolling Stones have stayed true to their rock roots and not sold out:
– They still play arenas and stadiums, not casinos. The Stones still routinely sell out huge venues based on their music legacy and performance charisma. They have not stooped to playing smaller casino theaters like some classic bands.
– They have released new music over decades. While not as prolific as in their 1960s and 70s heyday, the Rolling Stones have continued to put out new albums like Blue & Lonesome showing their commitment to creating.
– They honor their musical roots. Even with horn sections and backup singers, the Stones stay true to their rock and blues origins in their live shows. Their setlists still feature early blues covers along with all the iconic hits.
– Mick Jagger still has energy as a frontman. Despite his age, Jagger still dances, struts, and engages the crowd as one of rock’s premier frontmen. He works hard to keep putting on a dynamic live show.
– Keith Richards still dazzles on guitar. Critics agree that Richards’ guitar playing still demonstrates the energy, emotion, and rawness that made him a rock god. His skill has not declined even at age 79.
– They survived multiple drug busts and tragedies. The Stones persevered through legal troubles and bandmate deaths. These challenges could have ended most groups, but the Stones kept on rocking. This persistence demonstrates true dedication to their music.
The Rolling Stones Over the Decades
Let’s take a high-level historical overview of The Rolling Stones’ origins and musical shifts over the decades:
1960s
– Formed in London in 1962, originally playing blues covers
– Signed to Decca Records in 1963, released early singles and EPs
– Had first #1 UK hit with “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” in 1965
– Became rock superstars with albums like Aftermath, Between the Buttons, and Their Satanic Majesties Request
– Developed reputation as dangerous counter-culture icons, especially compared to The Beatles
1970s
– Continued releasing hit albums like Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St.
– Hosted massive free concert at Altamont Speedway in 1969, marred by violence
– Went through multiple band member changes like Mick Taylor leaving and Ronnie Wood joining
– Suffered through tensions and Keith Richards’ drug problems
– Embarked on debauched 1972 North American tour, documented in the movie Gimme Shelter
1980s
– Scored comeback hit with album Tattoo You, powered by single “Start Me Up”
– Put out highly successful albums Emotional Rescue and Steel Wheels near end of decade
– Tours became increasingly commercially focused, like 1981’s enormously lucrative American tour
– Continued solo projects and creative differences among bandmates
– Entered their 40s yet retained rock star image and success
1990s – Today
– Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989
– Toured consistently including the record-breaking Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour
– Published bestselling memoirs fueling more public fascination with their history
– Received critical praise for album A Bigger Bang in 2005, despite being in their 60s
– Continued touring in their 70s with no signs of stopping, playing for millions of lifelong fans
This quick historical overview shows how the Stones started as scrappy blues-rockers and evolved into the legendary, enduring act they are today. They went from youthful rebellion to aging millionaires, yet never lost their rock roots.
The Rolling Stones’ Musical Impact and Legacy
Beyond the debate on selling out, The Rolling Stones inarguably have an incredibly vast musical and cultural impact:
They Defined Rock Stardom
As much as any band, the Stones defined the look, attitude, and lifestyle of rock stardom. From Mick Jagger’s pouting lips to Keith Richards’ dark magnetism, they created an iconic image of effortless cool and dangerous sex appeal. Their anti-authoritarian attitude was as influential as their sound.
They Helped Make Rock a Rich Medium
Starting as a covers band, the Stones soon developed into gifted songwriters. They used rock in creative ways to address sex, drugs, blues traditions, personal relationships, and darker themes. They made rock a rich artistic territory for self-expression and storytelling.
They Pushed Musical Boundaries
While staying grounded in blues rock, the Stones evolved their sound over decades. They used influences from country, reggae, funk, soul, disco, and other genres for a endlessly adaptable sonic palette. This unwillingness to stay in one box helped break down musical barriers.
They Treated Women as Equals
The Stones offered women more empowered roles than many 1960s bands. Mick Jagger treated women like intellectual and sexual equals both on and off stage. Guitarist Ronnie Wood said there were “no lines drawn” with the Stones regarding women.
They Mastered the Art of the Riff
Richards’ guitar riffs are among the most famous and stirring in rock history. The simple but unforgettable intros to “Satisfaction,” “Honky Tonk Women,” “Start Me Up” and more prove the Stones’ melodic gifts. Their sense of groove and feel was also groundbreaking.
They Redefined Performing Stamina
By continuing to tour into their 70s and 80s, the Stones expanded ideas of aging. They showed rock is not just a young person’s game but an art form you cultivate for life. Their late-career shows prove well-preserved musicianship and vitality.
Overall, The Rolling Stones left an enormous imprint on rock music. Their influence will likely reverberate for generations to come.
Financial Breakdown of The Rolling Stones
Let’s do a data-driven dive into the massive financial success The Rolling Stones have achieved:
Overview
Total Album Sales | Estimated Net Worth | Typical Tour Revenue |
---|---|---|
200+ million albums | $1.05 billion | $117.3 million (2005-2007 A Bigger Band Tour) |
These numbers illustrate the enormous commercial success The Rolling Stones have maintained over such a long career. Very few rock bands come anywhere close to these financial figures.
Album Sales
The Stones have sold over 200 million albums worldwide as of 2022. This includes:
– 72.5 million certified units sold in the US alone
– 9 of their albums have gone multi-platinum in the US, meaning over 2 million copies sold
– Their 1971 classic Sticky Fingers has sold over 8 million copies globally
Only The Beatles have sold more albums than The Rolling Stones. Both groups far surpass later bands in sheer lifetime record sales.
Wealth Breakdown
Mick Jagger’s net worth is estimated at $500 million currently. Keith Richards’ net worth is approximately $370 million. Each founding member’s wealth comes from:
– Music sales
– Concert touring revenue
– Merchandise and licensing deals
– Real estate and business investments
This gives the two leading Stones a combined net worth around $1 billion. Factor in other band members, and the Stones have accrued over $1.05 billion in wealth.
Touring Earnings
The Rolling Stones’ 2005-2007 A Bigger Band Tour remains the highest-grossing tour of all time. It earned $558 million, which would be over $750 million adjusted for today’s dollar value. Their total career touring revenue is estimated at $5.35 billion.
Their longevity allows them to charge premium ticket prices. For example, tickets for their upcoming 2023 European tour range from $180 to $480 USD. VIP packages go up to $5,500. Even in their 70s and 80s, their tickets remain hot commodities.
Conclusion
In closing, there are good-faith arguments on both sides of the “do the Stones sell out?” debate. Their tremendous financial success and longevity inevitably lends itself to criticism of over-commercialization. However, the band has also stayed creatively vital. They continue to make new music and put tremendous energy into their live performances five decades into their career.
Given how long they’ve retained global popularity, exploited revenue sources, and adapted their sound, the Stones have arguably not sold out more than other rock legends. While undeniably profit-minded, they have not compromised their musical core. The individual members have aged, but the band’s spirit persists. Once dismissed as unruly upstarts, The Rolling Stones are now beloved for representing rock authenticity against all odds.