A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs Song 176, “Sympathy for the Devil” by the Rolling Stones, part 3: “Every Cop is a Criminal and All the Sinners Saints”
Sep 22, 2024
Dive into the socio-political themes behind the Rolling Stones' 'Sympathy for the Devil,' exploring connections with Oscar Wilde and John Milton. Discover the impact of the obscenity trial surrounding 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' and the band's tumultuous experiences amid legal struggles. Examine the shifting public sentiment on drug penalties and the chaotic creative process behind their iconic sound. Uncover the evolution of the band amidst societal change, personal turmoil, and the formation of innovative artistic partnerships.
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Milton's Devil Became Romanticized
- Popular culture adopted Blake's reading: Milton's Satan became the sympathetic, charismatic figure.
- That romantic reinterpretation shaped how artists, including Jagger, framed devilish characters.
The Country-Home Party That Triggered a Raid
- A party at Keith Richards' house led to a police raid after a tip-off and resulted in arrests of Jagger, Richards and Robert Fraser.
- That raid set off tabloid campaigns and legal trouble that shadowed the band through 1967.
Tangier Love Triangle Breaks Brian Jones
- While traveling to meet the Stones in Morocco, Anita Pallenberg and Keith Richards began a relationship that broke Brian Jones.
- Brian reacted violently and was effectively abandoned by the group, starting his rapid decline.