On This Day in 1962, a Legendary British Rock Band Recorded Its First Demo Under a Different Name and With a Very Different Lineup

The band that would become the Rolling Stones recorded its first demo in London on 26 October 1962, while still known as the Rollin’ Stones. The session captures an early stage in the group’s history, before its best-known line-up had formed and while it was still seeking a record deal.

Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Ian Stewart and drummer Tony Chapman recorded three covers: Willie Dixon’s “You Can’t Judge a Book by the Cover”, Jimmy Reed’s “Close Together” and St. Louis Jimmy’s “Soon Forgotten”. The demo failed to attract local labels, and an EMI representative reportedly criticised Jagger’s singing. Bill Wyman joined in December 1962; Charlie Watts became a full-time member the following year, and the classic line-up first played together in February 1963.