Sympathy for the Devil: The Birth of the Rolling Stones and the Death of Brian Jones

The story of The Rolling Stones is one of the most epic rock 'n' roll yarns of our time. Their music defined today's cultural landscape, and their history remains a source of endless fascination for music fans globally. Yet, one crucial part of that story has never been comprehensively analysed: the pivotal role of Brian Jones, the visionary who founded the band and meticulously controlled their early music down to the smallest detail.

Drawing on over a hundred interviews with key individuals, including Keith Richards, Andrew Oldham, and Marianne Faithfull, this is a story told from a totally new perspective. It lays bare the shocking ruthlessness, internal warfare, and sexual competition within this most legendary of bands. As well as exploring Jones' crucial influence on the Stones' music, it also investigates the unravelling of his psyche, as observed by Brian's family, friends, bandmates, lovers, and even his enemies. Victors often get to write the history, but it's never wholly true. Brian's life story is a gripping one, an epic battle between creativity and ambition, between self-sabotage and betrayal. This book expertly disentangles the threads of The Rolling Stones' narrative and firmly places Brian Jones in the foreground.