Podcast Summary: A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs – Episode 176: “Sympathy for the Devil” by The Rolling Stones, Part 3

Introduction & Content Warnings In Episode 176 of A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs, host Andrew Hickey delves into The Rolling Stones' iconic track “Sympathy for the Devil.” Hickey begins with a stark acknowledgment of the episode's challenging content, providing multiple content warnings including discussions on car accidents, drug addiction, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and more. He sets a somber tone, emphasizing the depth and seriousness of the forthcoming analysis.

Literary Inspirations: Milton, Oscar Wilde, and Paradise Lost Hickey transitions into a discussion on poetry, specifically focusing on John Milton and Oscar Wilde. He highlights Wilde's admiration for Milton, noting Wilde's own radical political beliefs influenced by libertarian socialism and thinkers like Kropotkin. Wilde's work, particularly his poem Milton, is analyzed as a confluence of liberal and romantic traditions, reflecting Milton's advocacy for individual liberty and his complex role as both a poet and a government censor.

Interpretations of Paradise Lost and Milton's Satan Central to this episode is Milton's Paradise Lost, an epic poem depicting Lucifer's rebellion against God. Hickey explores various interpretations, notably William Blake's critique that Milton, intentionally or not, empathized with Satan, creating a character that embodies both rebellion and allure. This interpretation influenced Romantic poets like Byron and Shelley, who saw Milton's Satan as a figure akin to Prometheus, symbolizing the defiance of oppressive authority. Contrarily, C.S. Lewis offers a counter-narrative, arguing that such readings misinterpret Milton's intentions by removing the work from its historical and cultural context.

1960s British Trials and Social Change Shifting focus to the 1960s, Hickey outlines the tumultuous social landscape in Britain, marked by high-profile trials such as the Chatterley Trial, the Profumo Affair, and others. These trials, often centered around issues of obscenity and public morality, mirrored the era's broader liberalization movements. Roy Jenkins, Britain's Home Secretary from 1965-67, emerges as a pivotal figure driving progressive reforms, including the abolition of capital punishment and the introduction of anti-racial discrimination laws. The Chatterley Trial, underpinned by Jenkins' Obscene Publications Act 1959, serves as a case study for shifting societal attitudes towards literature and censorship.

Rolling Stones' Legal Troubles and Band Dynamics Amidst this backdrop, The Rolling Stones grapple with their own legal disputes. Mick Jagger's libel case against the News of the World newspaper for labeling him a drug user becomes a focal point. Hickey narrates the ensuing police raid on Jagger and Marianne Faithfull's party, orchestrated by a mole within their circle. This event leads to the arrest and subsequent sentencing of Jagger and bandmate Keith Richards, deeply affecting the band's dynamics. Hickey includes notable quotes from Jagger, such as his reflection on the inevitability of being "stoned" despite efforts to maintain a good image ([10:03], [10:25]).

Recording and Influences of Their Satanic Majesty's Request The episode further examines The Rolling Stones' album Their Satanic Majesty's Request, comparing its psychedelic influences to those of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper. Hickey critiques the album's reception, highlighting internal band tensions and the waning influence of Brian Jones, whose personal struggles hindered his contributions. The collaborative spirit with contemporaries like The Beatles and Bob Dylan is noted, emphasizing the cross-pollination of musical ideas during this era. Hickey provides insightful commentary on the album's tracks, particularly focusing on "Sympathy for the Devil" and its intricate percussion-driven composition influenced by jazz and Afro-Latin rhythms.

Filmmaking and Sympathy for the Devil A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the intersection of The Rolling Stones and cinema, specifically Jean-Luc Godard's film involving the band. Hickey recounts the tumultuous filming of “Sympathy for the Devil,” including on-set tensions, the band's fragmented performance, and the eventual sabotage by smokin' Blue dog current Jonas'. He discusses the symbolic parallels between the band's disarray and the themes of rebellion and chaos inherent in the song and the film.

Transition to Beggars Banquet and Changes in the Band As 1968 progresses, Hickey narrates the pivotal transition to Beggars Banquet, marking The Rolling Stones' return to a more roots-based sound under the influence of Keith Richards. He details Richards' experimentation with open tunings and the introduction of American producer Jimmy Miller, which revitalizes the band's creative direction. The episode underscores Richards' pivotal role in steering the band away from psychedelia towards a more authentic blues-rock identity, culminating in the creation of seminal tracks like "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Sympathy for the Devil."

Conclusion In summary, Episode 176 offers a comprehensive exploration of “Sympathy for the Devil,” contextualizing it within literary traditions, the socio-political upheavals of the 1960s, and the internal dynamics of The Rolling Stones. Andrew Hickey weaves a narrative that not only scrutinizes the song's creation and its place within the band's evolution but also reflects on broader cultural shifts. The inclusion of poignant quotes from Mick Jagger and other key figures enriches the analysis, providing listeners with a multifaceted understanding of one of rock music's most enduring tracks.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Hickey [00:03]: “This was not a pleasant one to write, nor will the next few be.”
• Mick Jagger [10:03]: “Well, she was just 17, do you know what I mean?”
• George Richards [28:55]: “All right.”
• Mick Jagger [39:19]: “Fortunately, in England at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever.”
• Andrew Hickey [66:24]: “Whether the Romantics were right or wrong, they conclusively won the war of ideas among the broader audience.”
• C.S. Lewis [02:00]: “You can't properly understand a piece of art without understanding the larger cultural context in which it's created.”
• Mick Jagger [109:23]: “Hope you guess my name oh, what's puzzling you? The nature of my game.”

This episode not only dissects the artistic and historical significance of “Sympathy for the Devil” but also portrays the intricate web of personal and societal factors that influenced its creation and legacy.