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Rolling Stones Early Days: Engineer Recalls "College Boys"
14 Jul
Summary
- An engineer recalls recording early Rolling Stones demos in 1963.
- Acetates of the four-track R&B covers were rejected by major labels.
- A manager purchased the Stones' early recordings for £98 in 1963.
In 1963, engineer Alan Florence encountered a then-unknown band called The Rolling Stones, helping record their early demos. Florence, who worked at IBC Studios in London, recalled them as polite "college boys." He and his colleague Glyn Johns arranged for the band, including Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, and Ian Stewart, to record four tracks.
Acetates of these R&B covers were sent to major record labels, but none expressed interest. The Stones returned for another session, adding four more tracks to the tape. Florence was disappointed by the lack of interest, but a few months later, his manager sold the combined eight-track recording to Andrew Loog Oldham for £98. This transaction occurred just as the band was gaining recognition and soon signed with Decca Records.
