The Rolling Stones' Turbulent 1980s: A Band on the Brink

The Rolling Stones' Turbulent 1980s: A Band on the Brink

The Rolling Stones faced a tumultuous period in the 1980s that nearly destroyed the band. Struggling with personal issues, including Keith Richards' worsening heroin addiction and Mick Jagger's solo aspirations, tensions within the group reached a breaking point. Even the typically composed Charlie Watts found himself caught up in the chaos, leading to a significant decline in his behavior.

As the band worked on their album "Dirty Work" in a toxic environment, the decision was made to forgo a tour, breaking their tradition of touring with every album release. Jagger acknowledged the band's internal strife and the detrimental impact it would have had on a tour, crediting the decision to skip it as a crucial move that ultimately saved the band from potential collapse.

The band members' disagreements, fueled by personal issues and substance abuse, created a hostile atmosphere that made touring unfeasible. Jagger recognized the destructive nature of the situation and believed that going on tour during that time would have been disastrous for the band. Ultimately, the decision to prioritize their well-being over tradition proved to be a pivotal moment in preserving The Rolling Stones.