Angie (Live 2002)

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a deep dive into "Angie (Live 2002)" by The Rolling Stones, spinning from the Live Licks album, as the Zoo Crew lights up the airwaves! This track, captured during the 2002-2003 Licks Tour, is a raw, acoustic-driven gem that showcases the Stones’ knack for turning heartbreak into rock 'n' roll magic. Originally from the 1973 album Goats Head Soup, "Angie" was a chart-topping ballad, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The live 2002 version, featured on Live Licks, brings a fresh energy with Mick Jagger’s soulful vocals and Keith Richards’ tender guitar work, recorded during their global trek celebrating 40 years of the band. Fun fact: the song’s iconic piano was played by session legend Nicky Hopkins, and the strings were arranged by Nicky Harrison, giving it that lush, emotional vibe we all love.

The story behind "Angie" is packed with intrigue. While some fans speculated it was about David Bowie’s then-wife Angela or actress Angie Dickinson, Keith Richards set the record straight in his 2010 memoir, Life. He wrote that he picked the name "Angie" at random while detoxing in Switzerland in 1972, before knowing his daughter, Angela, would be born. “It was not about any particular person,” Richards said, debunking rumors. Mick Jagger added in interviews that his lyrics drew from his breakup with Marianne Faithfull, infusing the song with raw emotion. A wild rumor even surfaced on The Joan Rivers Show in 1990, when Angela Bowie claimed she caught Jagger and David Bowie in bed together, suggesting they wrote "Angie" during a songwriting session. Jagger and Richards have laughed off this tale, with Richards insisting the song’s roots are far less scandalous. The Rolling Stones themselves pushed for "Angie" as the lead single for Goats Head Soup, despite their label, Atlantic, wanting another high-energy hit like "Brown Sugar," according to a 2020 post by @RollingStones on X.

The live 2002 performance on Live Licks was part of the Licks Tour, a massive celebration of the band’s 40th anniversary, tied to their compilation album Forty Licks. The tour grossed over $300 million, making it one of the biggest of its time, and the Live Licks album captures the band’s versatility, mixing stadium anthems with intimate theater shows. Fans on IORR, a nonprofit fan club, rave about the tour’s setlists, which included rarities and deep cuts, keeping even hardcore Stones fans on their toes. Mick Jagger noted in a 2002 interview that the tour’s mix of hits and obscure tracks made it “interesting for the audience and the band,” while Ronnie Wood added, “We couldn’t go through a whole tour doing predictable shows.” The 2002 rendition of "Angie" is a fan favorite, often praised on Rolling Stones fan groups for its stripped-down, heartfelt delivery.

The Rolling Stones kicked off their legendary journey in 1962 in London, born from a shared love of blues and R&B. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, childhood friends who reconnected over music, teamed up with Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, and later Ronnie Wood to form a band that would redefine rock. Inspired by American blues giants like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, they started as a cover band, playing gritty clubs like the Crawdaddy Club. Their raw energy and rebellious attitude caught the eye of manager Andrew Loog Oldham, who shaped their bad-boy image and pushed them to write original songs. By 1964, hits like “It’s All Over Now” and “Time Is on My Side” launched them to global fame. The Jagger-Richards songwriting duo became the band’s creative engine, churning out classics that blended blues, rock, and social commentary, cementing their status as one of the greatest rock bands ever.

Stay connected with The Rolling Stones through their official website, where you can find tour dates, merch, and news. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and fan interactions. Zoo Freaks can also join the vibrant community at IORR, the It’s Only Rock’n Roll fan club, for exclusive news and fan forums. Check out Facebook groups like Rolling Stones Fans to connect with fellow enthusiasts sharing stories, photos, and love for the band. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let’s keep the Stones’ spirit alive!