The Rolling Stones Just Changed Music History: Here's What Happened on June 9, 1978
The Rolling Stones are undoubtedly one of the most iconic bands of all time, with countless hits and decades-long success. However, one of their most memorable releases is not just about the music – it's about the album cover. Some Girls, their 14th studio album, was released on June 9th, 1978, and it was a groundbreaking moment for the band as Ronnie Wood was now considered a full member of the band. More than that, the cover artwork for this album was nothing like anything their fans had seen before.
The cover of Some Girls, designed by Peter Corriston, featured The Rolling Stones in drag alongside a bevy of female celebrities, including Farrah Fawcett, Raquel Welch, Marilyn Monroe, Liza Minnelli, and Lucille Ball. The Stones, famous for their rebellious antics, had purposefully designed an album cover that would raise eyebrows, and it did just that. Not only was it risqué, but the band members took on stereotypically feminine traits – Mick Jagger wore hot pants and stockings while Keith Richards had heavy makeup and lipstick on.
Unfortunately, the Stones' provocative cover was the subject of controversy even before it hit store shelves. Some of the female celebrities featured on the cover, including Lucille Ball, Farrah Fawcett, Liza Minnelli, Raquel Welch, and Marilyn Monroe's estate, threatened the band with legal action. They claimed that the use of their likeness violated their rights and that it was done without their consent. The uproar was such that, in the end, the band had to remove several of the celebrities from the cover.
Despite the controversy surrounding the album cover, Some Girls went on to achieve great success. The album includes some of the band's most famous songs, including "Miss You," "Just My Imagination," and "Beast of Burden." The album reached number one on the Billboard 200, staying there for two weeks and earning platinum certification later that year. It was a critical and commercial success, cementing the band's place in rock history.
Although the cover artwork of Some Girls was not universally well-received, it remains a testament to The Rolling Stones' unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries and creating something unique. The band has always had a rebellious streak and wanted to create a cover that would shock people – and they certainly achieved that goal. Peter Corriston's design for the album cover has become an iconic image in the band's history, and the controversy surrounding the cover only adds to its significance.
In conclusion, Some Girls was a pivotal moment in The Rolling Stones' career, representing a shift in their sound and the addition of Ronnie Wood to the band. However, the album is just as famous for its daring cover artwork, featuring the band in drag alongside several famous female celebrities. Although it faced legal challenges and controversy upon its release, the album went on to be a commercial success and is still remembered as one of the Stones' most significant moments.