Comment

Comment by Paul Wilner on February 28, 2013 at 12:48pm

Yeah, I think both Mick and Keith have both mellowed a bit over time on the subject. It was hard, I guess, because he wouldn't show up for gigs, or not in good enough shape to play, but he was really a more sensitive soul, not as hardened to the demands of fame, let alone the various substances that were available and being ingested in large number. They were so much older then, they're younger than that, now. I think they always knew/recognized his contribution - strewing flowers and reading from Shelley's poem about Keats' death at the Hyde Park concert after Brian passed. It's a rock n' roll story, but he was definitely a hero in his day, whatever his foibles. 

Comment by Tim M. Otto on February 28, 2013 at 9:46am

Paul, I loved the story about Dylan & Brian's casket. I have heard some rumors of Brian starting the Stones but have always noted how Mick & Keith always write him off as some drug addicted loser who could barely play anymore towards the end. Whatever the truth is it's all terribly sad I think.

Comment by Paul Wilner on February 27, 2013 at 11:16am

Hey, thanks, Tim. Brian had his demons, I guess, but don't we all...He basically started the group, I believe. Not to flog the Stanley Booth thing unduly, but his book on the Rolling ones begins and ends with Brian, culminating in a visit to his grave. It may be an apocryphal story (and I guess a downbeat one, so I apologize) but it's said that Dylan paid for his casket to be shipped in from the states. 

The boy had style, most definitely. 

Comment by Tim M. Otto on February 27, 2013 at 11:06am

Paul, Great to see the boys in such shining, smiling days. I always thought the Stones were better with Brian Jones anyway. This is really a "FAB" cut! Thanks.