The Rolling Stones in 1980: Beyond Prime and Still Relevant

In the throes of the 1980s, many misconceptions prevailed about legendary rock band The Rolling Stones. The notion that they were past their prime and no longer leaders of rock is often debunked. However, a closer look at their discography and concert performances reveals just how relevant they remained in 1980 and beyond. They pushed boundaries, embraced new sounds, and maintain a cult following because of their unwavering dedication to the craft of rock and roll.

Continuing Relevance with "Some Girls" and "Tattoo You"

Consequently, far from being "outdated," the band continued to produce critically acclaimed albums in the 1970s and early 1980s. Their 1978 album Some Girls is particularly noteworthy. Not only did it reintroduce the band's importance after their iconic Exile on Main St. (1972), but it also introduced a blend of rock, pop, and even disco elements with songs like "Miss You," which cannily incorporated disco into the classic rock formula (Scher, 2000).

In 1981, The Rolling Stones released Tattoo You, a further exploration into the realms of pop and rock. Tracks such as "Start Me Up" and "Emotional Rescue" showcase their ability to keep up with contemporary trends. While some critics argue that songs like "Shattered" and "I'm So Hot" were a failure, the band's overall contribution to rock and roll remains significant within the context of the 1980s music scene (Lewis, 1981).

Live Performances and Fan Reactions in 1981

Live performances in 1981 further illustrated the band's vitality. For a pair of British teenagers, Alan and Joe (who planned to see them at Wembley Arena), the Rolling Stones represented an infallible draw (Brown, 1981). With a generation steeped in punk and new wave, they turned to classic rock bands for comfort and nostalgia. Despite the band's age, expectations were high due to the concern that they might disband. However, these fears were unfounded: The band not only appeared but exceeded expectations, reaffirming their status as a rock and roll institution.

It is not their age, but the depth and breadth of the music, that has kept The Rolling Stones relevant. Their willingness to evolve and adapt to changing musical landscapes is evident in albums such as Emotional Rescue (1980), which delivered hits like "She's So Cold" and "Emotional Rescue" (Rolling Stone, 1980).

Maintaining Pace and Impact

While some might argue that the band's output in the 1980s was less groundbreaking than their 1960s work, it is essential to recognize the enduring energy and passion that Mick Jagger brings to the stage, even to this day (Kerns, 2002). The cult of personality, although controversial, speaks to the band's ability to captivate audiences and maintain a mystique that transcends time:

“No, the Stones' 1978 album Some Girls was a fantastic record by all accounts and had re-established the importance of the band. 1980's Emotional Rescue, while not as good overall, still boasts the good song 'She’s So Cold' and the great song 'Emotional Rescue.'”

Most rock fans feel that the Stones still remain relevant, whether they followed the band in the 1960s or first encountered them in the 1980s. Mick’s energy and the band's commitment to delivering quality rock and roll music have ensured their position as legends in the rock and roll scene.

Conclusion

The Rolling Stones in 1980 were not past their prime but rather a band that could adapt and evolve. The decade brought significant changes in music, and the Stones embraced new trends while maintaining their classic rock style. From the disco tones of "Miss You" to the sheer energy of "Start Me Up," they demonstrated a remarkable ability to stay in touch with contemporary audiences. The band's legacy in the rock and roll genre is undeniably significant, and their impact continues to resonate within the music world.

References:

Brown, J. (1981). Where Are the Stones Going? YouTube. Kerns, T. (2002). The Rolling Stones- Some Girls Review. Review of Some Girls. AllMusic. Lewis, J. (1981). Tattoo You Review. Grammy Music Awards. Rolling Stone. (1980). Emotional Rescue Review. Rolling Stone Magazine. Schirmer, M. (2000). Some Girls. ABC Music.