The Rolling Stones, Gary Stromberg and Me…
Between The Buttons (1967) signed by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman
Most of my loyal and devoted readers know of the exploits of my great friend Gary Stromberg - author, bon vivant, music PR maven and supreme mensch (read more here https://www.vinyl-magic.com/new-page-3). From signing Jim Morrison and The Doors to co-producing two of the greatest cinematic triumphs of the 20th century - CAR WASH and The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh - to running the most powerful music PR firm in the 1960s and 1970s with clients Ray Charles, Elton John, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and others, Gary has lived a charmed and blessed life. Well, there were some potholes along the way, Gary did end up on Charles Manson's hit list which necessitated an FBI interview, and he struck fear in The Stones during their epic 1972 tour of debauchery. When Keef says, "Man, that guy needs some help," you are swimming in perilous waters! Fortunately, Gary got help and he has been a pillar in recovery for over forty years.
CAR WASH (1976) signed by Gary
Anyhoo, I saw Gary last week on a rare visit to New York away from his lair in Marina Del Rey. Gary was in town to celebrate the launch of "Stones Touring Party" on iHeartPodcasts which details the first Stones’ tour since the mayhem and murder at the Altamont Speedway in December 1969.
The Stones had just released Exile On Main Street and they were in the prime of their career. Gary and his fellow tourmate, rock journalist Robert Greenfield, recount the tour and their experiences in gripping detail. Greenfield had been hired to write a book (Stones Touring Party, published in 1974) and he had more than sixty hours of archival interviews with Mick, Keith, Charlie and some friends and artists whom they met along the way. But these interviews have never been heard, and years ago, Greenfield donated these interviews and other artifacts to Northwestern University, and there they sat, rotting in academic obscurity until now.
I listened to the first episode and it was as compelling as it was riveting. It screams for a proper Ken Burns doc treatment, although that seems doubtful, as Mick is as penurious as ever and licensing the music and photos would be cost prohibitive. No matter, go listen to Stones Touring Party wherever you listen to podcasts. You won't be disappointed. It’s always great fun to spend time with Gary Stromberg, especially on the internets! I am reminded that we are all storytellers, some, like Gary, just happen to be more gifted.
Start me up, indeed!
Some Girls (1978) signed by Mick, Keith, Charlie, Bill, Ronnie Wood
The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979) signed by Gary