The Rolling Stones dismissed founding member Brian Jones in 1969 after his worsening drug addiction and growing unreliability made his position untenable. Despite his major creative role in shaping the band’s early sound, they quickly recruited Mick Taylor, whose playing convinced the group he could naturally fill the gap.

Keith Richards recalled that Taylor was auditioned at Olympic Studios while recording “Honky Tonk Women”, and that the musicians immediately recognised his quality. Taylor’s melodic style, sustain and ability to interpret songs complemented Richards, contributing to many of the Stones’ acclaimed recordings before his departure in 1974 and replacement by Ronnie Wood in 1975.