STONE AGE: The Explosive Truth About the Rolling Stones

Acclaimed rock journalist Lesley-Ann Jones has authored biographies of Lennon, Bowie and Mercury, and when she turns her attention to the Stones the result is an in-depth view of their place in rock history together with revealing vignettes of their lives. When Richards and Jagger started making serious money from songwriting, Mick splashed out on an Aston Martin while Keith bought a luxury farmhouse, Redlands, which he still maintains as a UK base. Needless to say the drugs were flowing feely and the Redlands bust of 1967 is the one that made the biggest headlines, with Marianne Faithfull (an archetypal rock woman, "daring, damaged and frail") centre-stage wrapped in an orange bedspread. Bob Dylan himself has been appreciative of the Stones's place in rock history: "They are truly the greatest rock'n'roll band in the world, and always will be - they were the first and last, and no-one's ever done it better". "Satisfaction" was a classic from the moment when it was born, its sneery lyrics raging against the confining attitudes of the older generation towards the sex lives of the young. Legendarily, Keith Richards recorded the riff in the middle of the night and woke with no recollection of it. In the 80s Keith struggled free of drug dependence and the author analyses the changes brought about in the rock world after Live Aid in 1985. Superficially the baton moved on to Queen, but underlying the creative vibe was the hijacking of rock by the corporate world, while promotional videos and merchandise launched the celebrity culture. The albums "Exile on Main Street" and "Goats Head Soup" made an impact in the 70s but by 1981 "Tattoo You" marks the beginning of a decline, though it's a favourite with the author. Touring, recording, publishing, changing partners, the Stones stayed on the road, even after the death of Charlie Watts, the dignified drummer who played without swagger but with the authentic feel. Paperback 388 pages, timeline, colour and monochrome photos.