With never-before-seen footage and interviews, ‘The Stones & Brian Jones’ documentary takes an in-depth look at Brian Jones’ career as the founder, rhythm/lead guitarist, and original leader of The Rolling Stones. The film covers the rivalry between him and the band, his drug abuse, eventual firing from the band and his untimely death in 1969.
British Filmmaker Nick Broomfield directed and produced the documentary, released by Magnolia Pictures, and will be available everywhere on November 17, 2023. He is best known for his award-winning documentaries, ‘Tales of the Grim Sleeper’, ‘Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer’, ‘Biggie and Tupac’, ‘Kurt and Courtney’ and ‘The Leader, His Driver and the Driver’s Wife’. Bill Wyman, bassist for the Stones from 1962 to 1993, was the historical consultant for the documentary.
Broomfield says of his inspiration to make the film, “they were a major influence in my formative years. Brian and Mick were heroes of the day, their rebellion and breaking of the rules were a great inspiration to us. Making this film was an opportunity for me to look at that formative growing-up time until the shock of Brian’s death in 1969, the darkest moment in the history of The Stones, when things changed.”
The documentary does an excellent job of revealing how important Jones was in the creation of the band and his creative genius. He founded The Rolling Stones as a British blues band in 1962 but his role became diminished as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards became a successful songwriting team and changed the musical direction of the band.
The documentary explores the conflict between Jones and his band members and how it was amplified as he spiraled into heavy drug abuse which led to his firing from the band in 1969. Interviews with Jones’s family members and former lovers including singer Marianne Faithfull and model Zouzou provide an insightful look into Jones’s personal life, his struggles, and the sad ending on July 3, 1969.
I’m Music Magazine Associate Editor and Writer- Meesha Walden
