Sex and drugs and rock ’n’ roll is a thoroughly conservative philosophy

23 October 2010

The guitarist Keith Richards is perhaps most famous for having constructed a short and very simple rhythmic musical phrase, over the top of which his colleague Mick Jagger expressed an increasing irritation at being unable to acquire, in both general and specific terms, any kind of ‘satisfaction’ — despite, as he proceeded to explain, repeatedly attempting to do so. Or, at least, that’s what he should be most famous for. That almost insultingly simple ‘riff’, plus a slightly more complex one a few years later, over the top of which Mr Jagger, in a more ebullient frame of mind, expounded upon the pleasures of whipping black women at midnight. Both of these songs were perceived as being ‘counter-cultural’ and therefore, de facto, of the left. I suppose you might argue that ‘Satisfaction’ was in essence a plea for more stringent regulation of the advertising industry, perhaps via a quango rather than direct legislation — which is a slightly leftish position. But it is hard to stretch the lyrics of ‘Brown Sugar’ to resemble something which approaches those of the ‘Internationale’.

Of course, the Rolling Stones also took copious quantities of drugs and had sexual intercourse with beautiful young women; they may even — the jury is still out on this — have involved an iconic item of confectionary in their lovemaking, that is to say a Mars bar. Mars bars have changed over the years; that once dense and gritty greyish nougatine base is now an airy and wholly inadequate counterpoint to the intensity of the caramel — an attempt to appease the sensibilities of women consumers who wish to think they’re eating something which will not make them as fat as a pig. They do king-size Mars bars now, Marianne. Think of that.

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DeadSeaNavigator

October 28th, 2010 10:50am Report this comment

Well, quite. Ray Davies was recently on record as asking why those responsible for 9/11 had not been shot (er, let's think about that one for a minute, shall we?). And then there are Steven Patrick Morrissey's occasional and invariably helpful contributions to race relations. Best not get started on Bryan bloody Ferry.

José Fraile

October 28th, 2010 3:11pm Report this comment

Drugs? Mick Jagger in an interview with Mary Robinson (1972?) told her and whoever else who wanted to understand that "there isn't such a thing as recreational drugs". Seems to have spend lots of time helping people with drug-fuelled sorrows, like the widow of Thalita Getty. As for rock radicals, I supposse you'll like Robert Wyatt, don't you?

Sir Graphus

October 31st, 2010 11:04am Report this comment

Many of them start as socialists. Most of them become capitalists the moment they get their first big pay cheque, and they realise how much of it the govt wants.

Twisted_Colour

November 1st, 2010 4:52am Report this comment

Congratulaions, Rod. You officially have succeeded in making the phrase "I am a wanker" the second best way of enunciating the fact that you are a wanker. Hear, hear!

Mickey Dugan

November 1st, 2010 5:20pm Report this comment

Re:

"The Ramones: hard-core, blue-collar Republicans."

That's only half-true, at best.

Johnny Ramone certainly idolized Ronald Reagan, but frontman Joey Ramone absolutely despised Reaganism, and was without any shred of doubt a left-winger. Look it up.

john douglas

November 25th, 2010 8:44pm Report this comment

unbelievable... inaccuracies, glibness... yet another entrenched viewpoint warps the facts to fit..can we please have writers who do their job and inform and entertain ?.. I'm amazed this guys juvenile drivel is given any credence. Who does the hiring and firing in the Spectator ? Have a glimpse at this guys efforts.. a glimpse is all you'll need... show him where the door is.. it can be far.