The Rolling Stones are an anomaly in the world of rock and roll, an anomaly that many (myself included) would have seen put away in a museum around the turn on the 1980's, but have (against all odds and countless fickle trends) managed to survive and even thrive in their old age as both notoriously hedonistic rock stars, and as a functioning band. Whilst their best years are undoubtedly behind them, The Stones refuse to retreat into the night, and this steadfastness (some might argue stubbornness) has been underlined even further by their latest announcement. It appears the veteran rockers are to not only stage their first major art exhibition, but they're taking it on tour. Because it wouldn't be The Rolling Stones if there wasn't a tour involved would it?
The Rolling Stones Announce Exhibitionism
The “Exhibitionism” exhibition is made up from more than 500 artefacts from the band’s personal archives, including costumes, personal letters and previously unseen video clips. The exhibition has been designed by the band themselves to match the epic production values of their stadium shows, and is described as “The most comprehensive and immersive insight into the world’s Greatest Rock n’ Roll Band.” It will be making its début next April at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, taking over nine themed galleries across two floors and over 1,750 square metres of space. The Saatchi Gallery was chosen due to its proximity to the Edith Grove flat shared by Brian Jones, Keith Richards and Sir Mick Jagger in the 60's.
Exhibitionism is made up from more than 500 artefacts from the band’s personal archives
An interactive tour, the exhibition includes the band’s famous stage clobber, rare audio tracks, guitars and other instruments, cinematic presentations, artwork and personal diaries, all of which will trace the band’s illustrious 52-year career. It begins with an introductory “Experience” room, which will be accompanied by a brand new film looking back at the band's enviable history. Each subsequent room will be a distinctly designed environment showing how the band has (in their own words) “Changed the way we experience rock and roll.”
The Rolling Stones Exhibitionism: An Unexpected Turn Of Events
The show was three years in the making, and features collaborations with the band's enviable cabal of famous pals, such as Andy Warhol, Tom Stoppard, Alexander McQueen and Martin Scorsese, who captured what was arguably the defining document of the band's latter-years in his “Shine A Light” documentary. It's set to be around ten times larger than David Bowie's V&A exhibition, and is planned to remain touring long after the Stones are finally forced off the road (surely any decade now). After it's initial three month stop at the Saatchi Gallery, the exhibition will tour 11 cities including Tokyo, LA and New York, but if it proves a success, there are plans to keep the tour going indefinitely.
The interactive tour will début at the Saatchi Gallery next year and was 3 years in the making
Jagger said of the exhibition: “We've been thinking about it for quite a long time but wanted it to be just right and on a large scale just like planning our touring concert productions. I think right now, it’s an interesting time to do it. Richards added: “While this is about The Rolling Stones, it's not necessarily just about the members of the band. It’s also about all the paraphernalia and technology associated with a band like us, as well as the instruments that have passed through our hands over the years that will make the exhibition really interesting.”
Mick, Keith, Charlie & Ronnie on Exhibitionism
Tickets begin at £15 (a fraction of the price you'd pay for a seat at a gig in even the cheapest seats), but will rise for premium viewing times, such as Saturday afternoons. The band will be attending a red-carpet première opening of the exhibition on April 5 2016.
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and struggling musician from Kidderminster in the UK. His favourite Rolling Stones album is “Exile On Main Street.” What's yours?
