Category: Articles
Tags: Ian Stewart, rolling stones

Pianist Ian Stewart was the sixth member of the Rolling Stones. He was with the band from the beguinning and has played in all their albums between 1964 and 1983 (except from Beggar’s Banquet). He also worked with Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin and Steve Winwood. He never looked as cool or rebelious as the rest of them, so the band’s management forced him into the role of a session pianist and road manager, but he remained with them until his death in 1985. By all accounts, he was a down- to- earth guy, the exact opposite of a rock star.

Well, there is now a tribute album dedicated to him and helmed by pianist Ben Waters. The Rolling Stones have one song in it (a cover of Dylan’s Watching the River Flow) and the occasion is notable for the fact that it is the first time that they will play with departed bassist Bill Wyman:

http://www.nme.com/news/the-rolling-stones/54422

In all likelihood, this is going to be a lazy, celebrity- studded affair. Maybe not though. Still, every Rolling Stones fan appreciates Ian Stewart’s contribution and it’s nice to see his bandmates honor his memory.

(-Dimitris Kontogiannis-)

About the Author: CnB