Unjoined Legends: The Rolling Stones' Almost Guitarists
The Rolling Stones have a rich history of talented guitarists who almost became official members of the band. Despite invitations and auditions, iconic players like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Rory Gallagher, Steve Marriott, and Peter Frampton never joined the legendary rock group. Each musician had their reasons for not becoming a Stone, whether it was personal ambitions, musical differences, or clashes with band members. Fans can only speculate on how the band's sound might have evolved with these guitarists on board.
When Brian Jones left The Rolling Stones in 1969, Mick Jagger approached close friend Eric Clapton to join the band. However, Clapton declined the offer, citing the extreme pros and cons of being in such a prominent group. Clapton's focus on other projects like Derek & The Dominoes and his desire to maintain his independence as a musician led him to turn down the opportunity to join The Stones.
During the Black and Blue sessions in the mid-1970s, The Stones invited guitarists like Jeff Beck to jam with them. Beck, known for his jazz-influenced style and individualistic approach to music, felt musically incompatible with the band's teamwork-oriented dynamic. Despite his immense talent, Beck never officially joined The Stones, pursuing his own musical path until his passing in 2023.
Irish guitar virtuoso Rory Gallagher was contacted by The Stones but left abruptly due to a disagreement between Jagger and Richards. Gallagher, highly respected by fellow musicians, continued his successful solo career, leaving behind a legacy of 30 million albums sold before his untimely death at 47.
Steve Marriott, known for his work with Small Faces and Humble Pie, briefly played backup for The Stones but never became an official member. Battling personal struggles and clashes with band members, Marriott's potential as a Stone was cut short when he tragically died in a house fire at the age of 44.
Peter Frampton, who had a longstanding connection with The Stones, was considered during auditions in the mid-1970s. However, Frampton chose to focus on his solo career, which skyrocketed with the success of "Frampton Comes Alive." Despite the opportunity to join The Stones, Frampton prioritized his solo work and reflected on how his life might have taken a different path if he had become a Stone.
In conclusion, The Rolling Stones have encountered several talented guitarists who came close to joining the band but ultimately pursued their own musical journeys. Each guitarist brought a unique style and perspective to the table, leaving fans to wonder about the alternate paths the band could have taken with these legendary musicians in their lineup.