“It’s Like Wine, Good Wine, Some of It’s Better Aged”: The 1980s Classic Rock Staple That Took Keith Richards 10 Years To Write

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“It’s Like Wine, Good Wine, Some of It’s Better Aged”: The 1980s Classic Rock Staple That Took Keith Richards 10 Years To Write

American Songwriter · 4 hours ago

The Rolling Stones discussed their songwriting process during an Apple Music interview, with Keith Richards explaining that 'Start Me Up,' their 1981 classic, required a decade of development before completion. The track initially explored reggae rhythms across the first hundred recording attempts before the band shifted to rock and roll, which ultimately became the signature version. Richards compared the extended creative process to fine wines that benefit from ageing, noting that some songs remain elusive until the right approach emerges.

To mark the release of their new album Foreign Tongues, the band hosted a celebratory event in London on July 8, welcoming high-profile attendees including Daniel Craig and John McEnroe. The evening featured a surprise performance of 'Ringing Hollow,' a new track addressing themes of American identity, followed by a spectacular drone display projecting the band's iconic tongue and lips symbol across London's skyline, lighting up landmarks including Big Ben and the River Thames.

  • Keith Richards revealed 'Start Me Up' took 10 years from initial writing to 1981 release, evolving from reggae rhythm through multiple styles before settling on rock and roll
  • The Rolling Stones celebrated their new album Foreign Tongues with a London launch party featuring celebrity guests and a 500-drone logo display over iconic city landmarks

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