Beast Of Burden (Live 2002)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful grooves of Beast of Burden (Live 2002) by The Rolling Stones from their Live Licks album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to this classic. This track, captured during the 2002-2003 Licks Tour, showcases the Stones' raw energy and tight performance, a testament to their enduring live prowess. The song itself, originally from the 1978 album Some Girls, is a standout for its slinky, funk-infused groove, driven by Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman. Keith Richards laid down the soulful chord structure and tossed the phrase "beast of burden" to Mick Jagger, who crafted the lyrics on the fly. Jagger described it as a "soul-begging song, an attitude song," not deeply personal but brimming with vulnerability, with lines like "Am I hard enough? / Am I rough enough?" revealing a rare, insecure side to his persona. The interplay between Richards and Ronnie Wood’s guitars, weaving fluid licks without a clear lead or rhythm role, creates a seamless, hypnotic sound that’s pure Stones magic.

Delving into the song’s creation, Keith Richards revealed it was a spontaneous studio moment during the Some Girls sessions. The band opted for a raw, intimate rehearsal space over a polished studio, much to Jagger’s initial dismay, but this choice gave the track its gritty charm. Richards later reflected that the song was, in retrospect, a nod to Jagger for "shouldering the burden" during Keith’s struggles with addiction in the late 1970s. Ronnie Wood noted the natural chemistry, saying the guitars "just came very naturally in the studio," with he and Keith instinctively trading high and low parts. The song’s legacy is cemented by its No. 8 chart position in the U.S. and its ranking at No. 435 on Rolling Stone magazine’s "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." Fun fact: Bette Midler covered it in 1984, tweaking lyrics like "Pretty, pretty, girls" to "my little sister is a pretty, pretty girl," hitting No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100. Mick Jagger himself called it a great song to emote to, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, free-spirited vibe.

The Rolling Stones began their legendary journey in London in 1962, 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, a multi-instrumentalist with a passion for American blues. Joined by Charlie Watts on drums and Bill Wyman on bass, the band started as a scrappy outfit playing covers of Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry in dingy clubs. Their raw, rebellious edge set them apart from the cleaner-cut Beatles, earning them a bad-boy reputation amplified by sensationalized press stories—like the infamous public urination scandal. By 1964, their cover of Buddy Holly’s "Not Fade Away" became their first U.S. hit, and originals like "Satisfaction" soon catapulted them to global fame. Despite lineup changes, including Jones’s departure in 1969 and his tragic death, and Ronnie Wood joining in 1975, the Stones’ gritty, blues-based rock defined the genre, making them the self-proclaimed "World’s Greatest Rock & Roll Band."

Stay connected with The Rolling Stones through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, throwback photos, and more. Fans can dive deeper at the fan-run It’s Only Rock’n Roll (IORR) website, a treasure trove of news, setlists, and forums for diehard Stones lovers. The r/rollingstones subreddit is another lively spot, with Zoo Freaks-like fans debating setlists and sharing concert memories. For community vibes, check out the Rolling Stones Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts swap stories, vinyl finds, and love for tracks like Beast of Burden. Keep the Zoo Crew spirit alive and keep rocking with the Stones!