The Rolling Stones 1972
The Rolling Stones 1972
Jim Marshall
August 8, 2022
Backstage area at The Forum, Los Angeles, California, June 11, 1972
The Rolling Stones are currently touring widely throughout Europe. Titled SIXTY, the show is a celebration of the legendary band's sixtieth jubilee; and still, they continue to perform, seemingly tirelessly, for their fans. Fifty years ago, they were accompanied by the equally legendary photographer, Jim Marshall. On assignment for LIFE Magazine, he went along on the band's Exile on Main St. tour. His iconic motifs represent a powerful chapter of rock 'n' roll history, and have now appeared in a lavish photo book.
Undoubtedly, backstage areas today are considerably more welcoming, in their aim to make the time before, during and after the performance as pleasant as possible for band members. It was quite another story in 1972. In addition to the actual stage shows, Jim Marshall photographed backstage at some of the tour locations. This gave him a very private glimpse into the group's structure; or, as Keith Richard said, “Once Jim was in, he was another Stone.”
Back then, there were times when the band played two sets a day, and were unable to leave the backstage area between shows. This led to hours killing time. The stark contrast between those moments and the glamorous appearances on stage is evident in Marshall's pictures – pictures that are very detailed: sometimes ironic; sometimes amusing; and sometimes bitter. The photo shown here is a precisely composed image: band members and tour companions hang around limply. Six men are lined up at the back, lounging or crouching with rounded shoulders. Vertical and highlighted in the centre is Mick Jagger's perfect shoulder stand, as he gives his body a bit of a relaxation programme. With this kind of awareness, it is no wonder that the now 79-year-old is able to deliver an amazingly fit stage show, even today.
Jim Marshall: The Rolling Stones 1972.
With a foreword by Keith Richards and an introduction by Joel Selvin; texts by Anton Corbijn, Nikki Sixx, Michelle Dunn Marsh and Amelia Davis.
216 pages, English
Chronicle Books LLC
Ulrich RüterUndoubtedly, backstage areas today are considerably more welcoming, in their aim to make the time before, during and after the performance as pleasant as possible for band members. It was quite another story in 1972. In addition to the actual stage shows, Jim Marshall photographed backstage at some of the tour locations. This gave him a very private glimpse into the group's structure; or, as Keith Richard said, “Once Jim was in, he was another Stone.”
Back then, there were times when the band played two sets a day, and were unable to leave the backstage area between shows. This led to hours killing time. The stark contrast between those moments and the glamorous appearances on stage is evident in Marshall's pictures – pictures that are very detailed: sometimes ironic; sometimes amusing; and sometimes bitter. The photo shown here is a precisely composed image: band members and tour companions hang around limply. Six men are lined up at the back, lounging or crouching with rounded shoulders. Vertical and highlighted in the centre is Mick Jagger's perfect shoulder stand, as he gives his body a bit of a relaxation programme. With this kind of awareness, it is no wonder that the now 79-year-old is able to deliver an amazingly fit stage show, even today.
Jim Marshall: The Rolling Stones 1972.
With a foreword by Keith Richards and an introduction by Joel Selvin; texts by Anton Corbijn, Nikki Sixx, Michelle Dunn Marsh and Amelia Davis.
216 pages, English
Chronicle Books LLC
Image: © by The Estate of James J. Marshall
Jim Marshall+-
Born James Joseph Marshall in Chicago, Illinois, on February 3, 1936, the son of Assyrian parents who had emigrated from Iran to the USA. He purchased his first camera while at high school in San Francisco, and began taking pictures of musicians and artists. After serving in the military, he began to work as a professional photographer in New York. This included taking pictures of musicians associated with Atlantic Records and Columbia Records. His photographs appeared in all the most important magazines, while hundreds of album covers display his musician portraits. His direct and personal photographic style was trend-setting. Marshall lived in San Francisco during the latter part of his life. He passed away, however, in New York City on March 24, 2010, while on a trip, during which he was scheduled to speak in SoHo. More
Backstage area at The Forum, Los Angeles, California, June 11, 1972