teh Rolling Stones’ Tattoo You: A Bold Comeback and the Story Behind Its Iconic Cover
By the time The Rolling Stones released their second album of the 1980s, they were riding a wave of renewed confidence. Though they had never truly disappeared, the band had experienced a creative lull following their golden era from 1968 to 1972. This period of waning vitality, reminiscent of their post-Their Satanic Majesties Request days, was finally broken by the raw, energetic rock of Some Girls. Fueled by the hit single Miss You, the album marked a commercial resurgence and reignited the band’s signature magic.
This momentum carried into 1981 with the release of tattoo You, their 16th studio album. Led by the timeless anthem Start Me Up, the album showcased the band’s ability to breathe new life into forgotten studio outtakes. For instance, Waiting on a Friend was first sketched nearly a decade earlier during the Goats Head Soup sessions in Jamaica. Released at the dawn of MTV’s cultural dominance, the album’s music videos, especially Mick Jagger’s lively performance in Start Me Up, became staples on the fledgling network. This exposure not only cemented the band’s relevance but also foreshadowed Jagger’s later ventures into self-parody with solo projects like She’s the Boss.
The Making of an Iconic Cover
To match the album’s cutting-edge sound, The Rolling Stones enlisted graphic artist Peter Corriston and illustrator Christian Piper to create a visually striking cover.The result was one of the band’s most memorable designs: a bold red background with a black-and-white figure adorned in tribal tattoos. This striking imagery was their most daring visual statement since the controversial Beggars Banquet toilet cover.
Corriston drew inspiration from Indian sand paintings and sideshow circus art, particularly the concept of painted women. He also studied Samurai warriors, noting their tradition of tattooing the strongest warriors.“The Stones are the strongest of all the rock and roll people in the world,” Corriston explained. “The Samurai are pretty strong, and apparently, there is a tradition where the strongest of the strong would have tattoos on their face.”
Who’s on the Cover?
One of the most enduring questions about Tattoo You is the identity of the androgynous figure on the cover. Contrary to popular belief, the model is none othre than Mick Jagger himself. photographer Hubert Kretzschmar captured several headshots of Jagger and Keith Richards, with Jagger gracing the front cover and Richards appearing on the back.
Jagger approached the shoot with meticulous attention to detail, arriving punctually and spending hours perfecting his look. He insisted on reviewing all contact sheets to select the ideal angle. Richards, on the other hand, arrived three hours late, clutching a bottle of jack Daniel’s and a joint. After a few perfunctory shots,he quipped,“Nah,that’s what Mick’s for,cheers,” and left.
A Lasting Legacy
The Tattoo You cover became a defining image of the 1980s, symbolizing the band’s enduring appeal to a new generation of fans. The album’s success was further amplified by its dominance on MTV, where its videos captivated audiences worldwide. For many, Tattoo You marked the last time The Rolling Stones exuded the same vitality and allure that had defined their mid-1960s heyday.
| Key highlights of Tattoo You |
|————————————|
| Release Year | 1981 |
| Lead Single | start Me Up |
| Notable Track | Waiting on a Friend (originally from Goats Head soup sessions) |
| cover Art Inspiration | Indian sand paintings, Samurai tattoos, and sideshow circus art |
| Cover Model | Mick Jagger |
tattoo You remains a testament to The Rolling Stones’ ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing musical landscape. Its bold visuals and timeless tracks continue to resonate, solidifying its place as one of the band’s most iconic works.
For more insights into The Rolling Stones’ legendary career, explore their journey through albums like Goats Head Soup and Some Girls. And don’t forget to revisit the electrifying Tattoo You cover—a masterpiece that captures the essence of rock and roll’s enduring spirit.
