Home / Arts and Entertainment / Reggae Roots to Rock Hit: The 'Start Me Up' Secret
Reggae Roots to Rock Hit: The 'Start Me Up' Secret
1 Jul
Summary
- The song began as a 1975 reggae track named 'Never Stop'.
- Richards initially disliked the final rock version of the song.
- The hit reached number 1 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
The Rolling Stones' massive hit 'Start Me Up' began its life in 1975 as a reggae song titled 'Never Stop.' The band recorded the track in this different style but initially shelved it, only to rediscover an outtake during sessions for their 1981 album, Tattoo You.
Keith Richards expressed initial dissatisfaction with the rock version, even suggesting it be wiped, as he was convinced it should be a reggae track. He recounted that a rock rendition emerged spontaneously during a break from reggae takes but was later forgotten until someone sifted through the recordings years later.
Despite Richards' reservations, the band ultimately embraced the rock version, adding overdubs. This process highlighted The Stones' vast archive of unreleased material, often referred to as the 'tip of the iceberg.' The song's final form became a signature anthem, frequently opening their tours and becoming a stadium favorite.
'Start Me Up' achieved significant chart success, debuting at number 1 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and reaching number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's journey from a shelved reggae experiment to a universally beloved rock classic is a testament to the band's creative evolution and prolific output.
