A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs: Episode Summary

Title: A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
Host/Author: Andrew Hickey
Episode: Song 176, “Sympathy for the Devil” by the Rolling Stones, Part 4: “Who Breaks a Butterfly?”
Release Date: October 17, 2024

Andrew Hickey delves deep into the tumultuous period surrounding the Rolling Stones' rendition of "Sympathy for the Devil," exploring the band's internal struggles, the tragic demise of Brian Jones, and the infamous Altamont Free Concert that marked the end of the 1960s rock era.

1. Oscar Wilde’s Imprisonment and Legacy

The episode opens with a reflection on Oscar Wilde's imprisonment, drawing parallels between his suffering and the darker themes present in "Sympathy for the Devil."

• Wilde's Letter to Lord Alfred Douglas:

  • Wilde discusses his spiritual growth and views on Christianity, praising Christ alongside poets like Shelley and Sophocles.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "I had said of Christ that he ranks with the poets. That is true, Shelley and Sophocles are of his company, but his entire life also is the most wonderful of poems for Pity and Terror." [00:03]

• Memorial Controversies:

  • Jacob Epstein's sculpted memorial for Wilde faced objections for its perceived obscenity but ultimately became a revered site.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "Men and outcasts always mourn." [04:24]

2. The Rolling Stones: Internal Struggles and Creative Processes

Andrew Hickey examines the band's dynamics during the late 1960s, highlighting their creative endeavors amidst personal turmoil.

• Recording "You Can't Always Get What You Want":

  • The song was primarily written by Mick Jagger as a plea to Marianne Faithfull to curb her heroin use.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "The track took some time to pull together, primarily because Charlie Watts was unable to lock into the groove the rest of the band wanted." [12:51]

• Drug Abuse and Band Tensions:

  • The Stones grappled with substance abuse, affecting their performances and interpersonal relationships.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "Samuel Cutler thought that if they did that it would cause everyone who was OK to start having bad trips." [26:53]

3. The Sacking of Brian Jones and Mick Taylor’s Arrival

The episode details the pivotal moment when Brian Jones was dismissed from the band and Mick Taylor was introduced as his replacement.

• Influence of Kuda:

  • Kuda, brought in to fill the keyboard void, heavily influenced Keith Richards’ guitar style.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "Mick Taylor turns up and plays like an angel. And I wasn't going to say no." [19:47]

• Brian Jones’ Dismissal:

  • Despite attempts to maintain harmony, internal conflicts led to Jones leaving the band officially, though he remained a part until his untimely death.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "He loves those fellows. And oddly, that even seemed to be true to an extent." [28:51]

4. Planning the Altamont Free Concert

Hickey explores the logistical challenges and ambitious plans behind organizing one of rock history's most notorious concerts.

• Shift in Concert Paradigms:

  • The Stones sought to innovate concert promotions by controlling the entire booking process, diverging from the norm of relying on local promoters.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "This time the promoters at the venue were only going to provide the venue and collect the ticket money the Stones were going to put on the whole package themselves." [48:50]

• Venue Changes and Finalizing Altamont:

  • Last-minute venue changes, primarily due to managerial conflicts, culminated in the selection of Altamont Speedway as the final location.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "Everything that could go wrong did go wrong." [64:37]

5. The Altamont Free Concert: Chaos Unleashed

The climax of the episode covers the events of the Altamont Free Concert, emphasizing the tragic outcomes and their impact on the music world.

• Violence and Tragedy:

  • The presence of the Hell's Angels as security escalated tensions, leading to multiple injuries and deaths, including the brutal murder of Meredith Hunter.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "Meredith Hunter was buried in an unmarked grave and no memorial was set up for him until nearly 40 years later." [80:52]

• Performance Flaws and Aftermath:

  • Technical issues and inadequate crowd control marred the performances, culminating in a disheartening conclusion to the event.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "At the end of the recital, Jagger made what was meant to be a grand theatrical gesture, opening a cardboard box full of 2,000 white butterflies..." [38:17]

6. Legacy of Altamont and the End of an Era

The episode concludes by reflecting on how Altamont symbolized the downfall of the 1960s counterculture movement and reshaped the future of rock concerts.

• Impact on Rock Culture:

  • Altamont is etched in history as the definitive end of the free love era, overshadowed by its violent incidents and the loss of innocence it represented.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "Altamont became very, very well documented. After Santana came Jefferson Airplane. And at this point, the violence reached the music." [72:11]

• Documentary and Public Perception:

  • Films like "Gimme Shelter" immortalized the Altamont events, cementing their place in rock lore and influencing public perception of the 60s.

Conclusion

Andrew Hickey's in-depth analysis not only chronicles the creation and legacy of "Sympathy for the Devil" but also paints a vivid picture of a band and a generation at the crossroads of creativity and chaos. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of how personal struggles and external pressures can culminate in historical turning points within the music industry.

Notable Quotes Recap

• "I had said of Christ that he ranks with the poets." — [00:03] Andrew Hickey
• "Men and outcasts always mourn." — [04:24] Andrew Hickey
• "You can't always get what you want." — [14:03] Aleister Crowley
• "Mick Taylor turns up and plays like an angel." — [19:47] Andrew Hickey
• "Altamont became very, very well documented." — [72:11] Andrew Hickey

This summary encapsulates the critical discussions and events covered in Part 4 of Andrew Hickey's podcast, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities behind one of rock music's most iconic songs.