BBC celebrates 60th anniversary with documentary series

July 12 marks the 60th anniversary of the Rolling Stones’ first appearance: In front of around 100 spectators at the Marquee Club on London’s Oxford Street, they played five cover songs as a replacement for Alexis Korner. This only happened because the blues musician who was actually booked had to cancel the agreed concert due to television recordings taking place at the same time on the “BBC”.

So the public broadcaster is not entirely innocent in founding the Rolling Stones. In the summer, the anniversary of the legendary band will be celebrated by the same “BBC” with the four-part documentary series “My Life As A Rolling Stone”.

One hour each for Mick, Keith, Ron and Charlie

The British TV channel promises “intimate portraits” of the musicians, complete with unreleased footage and exclusive interviews with each band member. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts each have an hour-long episode on “BBC Two”.

The episode about drummer Charlie Watts, who passed away last year, tells his story through archival interviews and tributes from his bandmates and fellow musicians. Other Rolling Stones admirers such as PP Arnold, Chrissie Hynde, Slash, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner and Steven Tyler will also have their say in the documentary series. Produced by Mercury Studios for the BBC, the series features concert footage interwoven with new and old interviews.

Stones manager promises “new and fascinating look”

Rolling Stones executive Joyce Smyth said in a statement: “We are thrilled to be celebrating 60 years of The Rolling Stones with these four films, which will offer fans around the world a new and fascinating look at the band.” From the “BBC Pop” contributor Lorna Clarke said: “There is no better year for the BBC than in its centenary year to pay tribute to one of the most important rock groups in the world and to celebrate their 60th anniversary. The Rolling Stones have been around for decades Ambassadors of “Great British Rock ‘n’ Roll” and would be loved around the world.

History lesson also on radio and internet

In addition to the series, a curated collection of groundbreaking concerts and documentaries – including 2012’s Crossfire Hurricane and The Rolling Stones: Totally Stripped (original version) – will be available this summer on the BBC iPlayer video-on-demand service 1995, new edition 2016). Also in the summer, BBC Radio 2 will air a two-hour audio documentary called Rolling With The Stones.

A new play by Mick Jagger called “Strange Game” will be released on Friday (April 1st). It is the theme song for the original Apple TV+ series of the same name and has been described as a “poignant, evocative theme tune” backed by Jagger’s “powerful and chilling vocals.”