Fans of the legendary rock group The Rolling Stones are split on what they believe is the “best period” for the band.
The Mick Jagger-fronted group has featured plenty of famous faces, with the likes of Brian Jones and Mick Taylor leaving the group at various points in its decades-long history. Fans of Taylor, who left the group in December 1974, were left defending the period of his work after a discussion on the r/RollingStones subreddit saw fans suggest the Ronnie Wood days were far better. The post of the “unpopular opinion” reads: “I think my favourite period of The Rolling Stones is the Brian Jones years.
“My second favourite period is the early Ron Wood era from Black and Blue to Undercover approximately. I think this has something to do with the fact that this was The Rolling Stones that I experienced when it was current music. Everyone loves the Mick Taylor years, as do I, but I have to admit that it is my third choice.
“So while I am confident that there are quite a few people who will agree that Brian Jones’ period is the best, how many would also rate the early Ron Wood years above Mick Taylor years? Anyone? And I am not rating the guitarists here, just the band as it existed when they were in it.”
Fans remained split on which era was better on paper, though there was plenty of praise for Wood’s work on Some Girls and Emotional Rescue. One user wrote: “I love Ronnie, he adds a lot to the sound. Especially on Some Girls and Emotional Rescue, there’s some great weaving in there.
“But I gotta admit, this opinion puts you in the minority. Most folks will take the Mick Taylor years over the late 70s/early 80s any day of the week. To me, those years are K2, but ’69 to ’72 is Everest. That’s as high as you can get.”
Another user has suggested Taylor is the very best era for The Rolling Stones. One user wrote: “Truly neither of them rival the Mick Taylor era, and then it just becomes do you like the early era through aftermath and the psychedelic stuff more, or It’s Only Rock and Roll through Tattoo You more.
“For me, I’d say the second is stronger work, so the Ron Wood era is second place to me. I think it’s insane that people prefer the Jones era to Mick Taylor.” A third added: “Mick Taylor’s work with The Rolling Stones was pure magic. Some of the dirtiest, low-down and beautiful playing in guitar rock history.
“Ron Wood in and out of The Stones was so rich with deep feeling and soul in his playing. He is unfairly talked down at times, and his contribution to their success and longevity can’t be exaggerated. He writes songs and melodies that stay with you for years and years. Mystifies Me is one of the most beautiful songs in 70s rock.
“He is more accomplished than most of his peers – his bass playing in the Jeff Beck Group would be talked about today even if he had never worked with Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones.”
Not to minimize Ronnie’s contributions to the Stones, but I personally think he did his best work while with Rod Stewart & the Faces. More valuable to Rod than the Stones. As to best Stones era? The “other” Mick by a mile.
Well, Taylor and Ron are very good, but they only play guitar! But Brian, he plays so many musical instruments that he chose himself and arranged the songs himself! People obviously can’t appreciate the sound as a whole! Brian was the best for the Stones because he brought an exoticism and melodiousness that no one else does!