The influence of The Velvet Underground on The Rolling Stones can be seen in their evolving sound, as the Stones incorporated more experimental and raw elements into their music, echoing the groundbreaking style of the Velvet Underground. The Rolling Stones are universally acknowledged as one of the most significant and impactful bands in the annals of rock music. Their iconic presence in the mainstream music scene has established a rock style that has shaped numerous generations.
Nevertheless, even these musical titans have their inspirations, and for Mick Jagger and his fellow band members, the influence of the groundbreaking group The Velvet Underground is unmistakable. The Rolling Stones, celebrated for their classic rock essence and blues influences, have openly recognized the substantial inspiration they drew from Lou Reed’s pioneering ensemble, The Velvet Underground. Indeed, Mick Jagger has candidly stated that he and his bandmates “ripped off” various aspects of The Velvet Underground’s sound, especially from their seminal 1967 album, The Velvet Underground and Nico.
The Parallel Rise of Two Musical Giants
In the 1960s, The Rolling Stones and The Velvet Underground were each establishing their distinct identities within the music industry. The Rolling Stones ascended to superstardom with their gritty rock sound, capturing the attention of mainstream audiences, while The Velvet Underground emerged as a significant force in New York City’s underground music scene.
The Stones captivated global audiences through performances at large arenas and festivals, whereas The Velvet Underground was instrumental in transforming the underground landscape, leaving a lasting impact on alternative and experimental music genres.
Despite their divergent trajectories, The Influence of The Velvet Underground on The Rolling Stones can be seen in their sound. The two bands intersected at various points. Both had strong connections to the renowned pop artist Andy Warhol and shared friendships with the iconic David Bowie. These associations positioned them prominently within the music sphere, making them contemporaries, even as their musical styles diverged significantly.
The Rolling Stones were rooted in tradition, heavily influenced by earlier blues and rock music, while The Velvet Underground boldly challenged conventions, exploring innovative sounds and addressing controversial themes in their work.
The Musical Differences: Classic Rock vs. Experimental Innovation
The sound of The Rolling Stones was fundamentally anchored in the traditions of rock ‘n’ roll and blues, frequently reflecting the influences of earlier rock legends such as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Howlin’ Wolf. Their compositions typically adhered to established musical frameworks, featuring memorable riffs, robust rhythms, and melodic vocals, which rendered their music more appealing to a broader audience.
In contrast, The Velvet Underground’s sound was characterized by its rawness, experimental nature, and avant-garde elements. Lou Reed, along with his bandmates John Cale and Nico, crafted music that often eschewed traditional song structures, instead favoring drone-like instrumentation, dissonance, and abstract lyrics that delved into themes of addiction, alienation, and sexuality.
While The Rolling Stones were frequently regarded as the epitome of classic rock, The Velvet Underground was at the forefront of a new wave of experimental music that would later inspire numerous artists. Despite their distinct musical styles, both bands held a mutual respect for each other’s artistry, with Mick Jagger acknowledging the significant impact of The Velvet Underground on their own sound.
The Influence of The Velvet Underground on The Rolling Stones
Mick Jagger has candidly acknowledged the significant impact that The Velvet Underground had on him and The Rolling Stones. In a 2013 interview, he confessed that The Rolling Stones were indeed influenced by The Velvet Underground, revealing that they had “stolen” certain elements of their sound, particularly from the song “Heroin” featured on The Velvet Underground and Nico. Jagger highlighted that the minimalist guitar riff at the beginning of “Heroin” inspired the Stones’ similar approach in their 1968 song “Stray Cat Blues” from the album Beggar’s Banquet.
The introduction of “Stray Cat Blues” has often been recognized as an homage to “Heroin,” as both songs showcase a sparse, jangly guitar that establishes a minimalistic yet eerie atmosphere throughout. For Jagger and his fellow band members, this was a deliberate tribute to the groundbreaking sounds of The Velvet Underground.
Indeed, Jagger himself remarked, “We pinched from the very first Velvet Underground album… You know, the sound on ‘Heroin’. Honest to God, we did!” This revelation may come as a surprise to many fans of The Rolling Stones, considering the band’s iconic status, but it underscores the profound respect and admiration they held for Reed’s innovative musical artistry.
The Cross-Pollination of Ideas
The Influence of The Velvet Underground on The Rolling Stones extends beyond mere musical influence; it represented a significant cultural exchange that defined the music landscape of the 1960s. Both bands drew inspiration from the era’s counterculture movements and played pivotal roles in the transformative shifts occurring in music and art globally.
Despite The Velvet Underground not achieving the same level of commercial success as The Rolling Stones, their influence on music and culture was substantial. They laid the groundwork for numerous artists in subsequent years, and their legacy is apparent in the works of many musicians who adopted their innovative approach to rock music.
A particularly noteworthy element of The Velvet Underground’s impact on The Rolling Stones is the way it encouraged the latter to delve into more introspective and darker themes within their music. Although The Rolling Stones had always engaged with themes of rebellion and edginess, it was the influence of The Velvet Underground that prompted them to weave more intricate and raw subject matter into their lyrics. Songs such as “Stray Cat Blues” and “Sympathy for the Devil” exhibited a more somber and reflective tone, mirroring the influence of Reed’s lyrical examination of addiction, desire, and human vulnerability.
A Deeper Musical Connection
Jagger’s acknowledgment of the impact of “Heroin” on “Stray Cat Blues” serves as a prominent instance of musical influence; however, the reach of The Velvet Underground extends well beyond this single song.
It has been proposed that several other tracks by The Rolling Stones, including “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” and “Parachute Woman,” were shaped by the minimalist rhythms and chord progressions emblematic of Reed’s ensemble. Notably, the rhythm guitar and tempo of “Run, Run, Run,” from The Velvet Underground and Nico, closely mirror the rhythmic qualities present in The Rolling Stones’ “Parachute Woman.”
The innovative musical experimentation found in the albums of The Velvet Underground—particularly their debut—was revolutionary for its era. By employing unconventional song structures, raw and unrefined recordings, and hauntingly poetic lyrics, they redefined the boundaries of rock music. Meanwhile, The Rolling Stones, while preserving their foundational rock and blues influences, adeptly integrated some of these experimental aspects into their own compositions.
Long-Lasting Respect: Jagger and Reed’s Bond
Mick Jagger’s admiration for Lou Reed was profound and enduring. Throughout the years, Jagger frequently reminisced about his friendship with Reed, recognizing the significant influence Reed’s artistry exerted not only on The Rolling Stones but also on the broader rock music scene. Following Reed’s death in 2013, Jagger honored his memory by remarking, “He was the Johnny Cash of New York rock.” This remark underscored Reed’s enduring legacy in the music industry, affecting not only those within the underground movement but also mainstream figures such as Jagger.
It is obvious that Reed’s groundbreaking musical style left a lasting impression on Jagger, even as The Rolling Stones carved out their own place in rock history. The Velvet Underground, with their distinctive sound and daring experimentation, inspired Jagger and his fellow band members to explore new musical avenues—embracing artistic risk, emotional authenticity, and a revolutionary sense of freedom that was unprecedented at the time.
Expert Editorial Comment
The Influence of The Velvet Underground on The Rolling Stones serves as a compelling illustration of the way musical concepts cross boundaries and defy genre classifications. Although The Rolling Stones were entrenched in the mainstream music landscape, they were not insulated from the avant-garde sounds emerging from the underground scene. Their readiness to recognize and incorporate the groundbreaking music of Lou Reed and his ensemble underscores the enduring significance of The Velvet Underground’s influence.
Mick Jagger’s acknowledgment that The Rolling Stones “ripped off” the sound of The Velvet Underground in songs such as “Stray Cat Blues” highlights the profound effect this band had on the evolution of rock music. While The Rolling Stones’ achievements played a pivotal role in shaping the future of rock, they did not emerge in a vacuum. They were influenced by the artists and sounds surrounding them, with the innovative spirit of The Velvet Underground being instrumental in guiding the trajectory of their own musical endeavors.
The Influence of The Velvet Underground on The Rolling Stones