Although they are probably the band most part of Rock and Roll fans remember when the word “longevity” is said, The Rolling Stones went through some line-up changes over the decades, especially to occupy the post of lead guitarist. After Brian Jones was fired in 1969, he was replaced by the guitarist Mick Taylor that decided to leave the group in 1974 then being replaced by Ronnie Wood in 1975 who is a member of the group until nowadays.
Curiously, as Keith Richards recalled in an interview with Guitar Player, the band almost had the late legendary guitarist Jeff Beck as their guitarist. Wood played the bass on the two first Jeff Beck Group albums.
Keith Richards recalls that Jeff Beck almost joined The Rolling Stones
“We felt that Jeff had his own furrow to plow and that he was not a team man,” Richards recalled. “He was a soloist to the max. He was such an individualist. It wouldn’t have worked with the Stones at all. We’re all about teamwork.”
“But don’t get me wrong, he was a tremendous player,” Richards went on. “The odd times we got together, I was always amazed by the stuff that he did with his tremolo bar. He was one of the best, man, and he’s going to be missed,” Keith Richards said.
Over six decades, Jeff Beck released 17 studio albums on his solo career and 11 live records. Some of his most famous solo songs are “Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers”, “People Get Ready”, “Hi Ho Silver” and “Come Dancing”. He collaborated with many other famous artists like Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Roger Waters, Mick Jagger and more. Beck started his carreer in 1964 and remained active until his death in 2023 at the age of 78.
He already played live with Rolling Stones as a special guest many times and also recorded songs with Mick Jagger.
The Rolling Stones are currently promoting their first album in more than 18 years. Called “Hackney Diamonds” the album has special guests like Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Elton John and Stevie Wonder.