Behind the Scenes: Don Was's 25-Year Collaboration with the Rolling Stones
In the early 1990s, the Rolling Stones collaborated with renowned record producer Don Was, marking the beginning of a successful partnership. Despite initial doubts, Was landed the gig after a memorable meeting with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The duo engaged in a spirited debate about the need for a producer, with Mick outlining his requirements and Keith arguing against it. Despite the tense exchange, Was eventually convinced them to work with him.
Following their first encounter, Keith Richards reached out to apologize for his behavior and expressed interest in having a producer for their upcoming album, "Voodoo Lounge." Was recommended Don Smith as the engineer, a choice that both Mick and Keith eventually agreed upon. This marked the start of a 25-year collaboration between Was and the Rolling Stones, resulting in the production of four albums.
Their discography includes "Voodoo Lounge," "Bridges to Babylon," "A Bigger Bang," and "Blue & Lonesome," along with various live albums and reissues. In 2024, the band worked with producer Andrew Watt on the album "Hackney Diamonds," receiving praise for their exceptional guitar work. Despite some disagreements, Was played a crucial role in maintaining harmony between Jagger and Richards throughout their collaboration.
Don Was's insightful interview detailing his experiences with the Rolling Stones will soon be available for fans to read.