Films And Television

"THE ROLLING STONES ROCK AND ROLL CIRCUS"
(Abkco video 634590-3 VHS/0602498248997 DVD)

Another cornerstone of Stoneslore, this TV special was conceived as a device with which to promote "Beggar's Banquet". It was directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg and shot on December 10-11th, 1968 at Intertel Studios, Wembley. This was the last time Brian Jones performed 'live' as a member of The Rolling Stones. The project itself was necessitated by the band's being unable to tour the USA to promote the new LP on account of Brian's drug convictions, which meant he was unable to procure a visa. It was intended that the BBC would air the film as part of it's Xmas scheduling for 1968. They actually showed it as part of their festive line-up on new year's eve 1996!
The reason for it's non-appearance has, for years, been cited as Mick Jagger's dissatisfaction with the Stones' performance as 'headliners'. Shot overnight, the Stones began playing around midnight. Most of the numbers they had rehearsed for the show (at the Londonderry Hotel the previous day) were performed at least twice, and fatigue must have been heavy by the time the project was wrapped at 6am. Mick is clearly working very hard during the 8 minute plus rendition of "Sympathy For The Devil" which is the penultimate number. (with "Salt Of The Earth" closing the show) It was reported that Mick felt the Stones had been outshone by The Who, who played a truncated version of "A Quick One (While He's Away)". The other 'acts' included Jethro Tull, Taj Mahal (who played unannounced, as he did not have a work permit), Eric Clapton and John & Yoko. My personal view is that the Stones play pretty much as brilliantly as they ever have, and are not 'outshone' by anyone. (as if they ever could be!)
The cut of this film which was finally released by Abkco on video in 1996 does not include the Stones performing "Route 66", "Yonder's Wall", "Walkin' Blues" or "Confessin' The Blues", but does include "No Expectations", which was intended as a warm up number, and not to appear in the film.
Abkco, undoubtedly well aware of how keenly anticipated the release of this project was by millions of fans, issued it's soundtrack on a lavishly packaged CD in October '96, a month before the release of the VHS, thus ensuring that diehard fans (like me) bought the soundtrack twice. They made us buy it again when they issued the DVD in 2004. The DVD also includes some excellent bonuses: an interview with Pete Townshend, footage of a clearly wasted Brian and the famous/infamous footage of 'ringmaster' Mick with the heavily sedated Bengal Tiger.
All in all, "The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus" is fantastic entertainment, and essential viewing.