Bob Wills Is Still The King (Live 2006)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning a real gem for the Zoo Freaks with The Rolling Stones' rendition of "Bob Wills Is Still The King (Live 2006)." This track, originally penned by Waylon Jennings in 1975 as a nod to Western swing legend Bob Wills, got a surprising rock 'n' roll makeover when the Stones performed it at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, during their A Bigger Bang Tour. Mick Jagger introduced it with a cheeky, “We’ve never done this before in front of an audience,” and the crowd went wild as he belted out lines like, “It’s the home of Willie Nelson, the home of Western swing / It don’t matter who’s in Austin, Bob Wills is still the king.” The performance, captured on the DVD set The Biggest Bang, was a one-off, never played live by the Stones before or since, making it a unique moment in their storied career. Fans on Reddit have praised the cover, with one user noting, “It’s almost weird how much better they are at Country than most bands today,” while others appreciated Ronnie Wood’s attempt at pedal steel, even if it was a bit of a “trainwreck” jam.

The song’s history carries some spicy trivia tied to Waylon Jennings’ original version. Written partly as a playful jab at his fellow outlaw country star Willie Nelson over a booking disagreement, Jennings’ lyrics cheekily assert Bob Wills’ dominance over Texas music culture. Willie, in his 2015 memoir, recalled Waylon’s “devilish look” as he performed it at the Texas Opry House, a venue Willie often sold out. When Waylon asked Willie what he thought of the song post-performance, Willie grinned and called it “a hit.” Interestingly, Jennings himself wasn’t a huge Bob Wills fan, admitting in a 1990s TV appearance on Ryman Country Homecoming that he only liked “two of his songs.” He wrote the song to reflect his early days playing small gigs on massive Texas dance floors built for Wills’ 12-piece orchestras, a contrast to his lean four-man band. The Stones’ decision to cover it in Austin was a nod to this Texas pride, amplified by Keith Richards’ long-standing love for country music, evident in tracks like “Honky Tonk Women” and their 1971 album Sticky Fingers.

The Rolling Stones, formed in London in 1962, kicked off their journey when Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, childhood mates who reconnected over a shared love of blues and R&B records, teamed up with Brian Jones, a multi-instrumentalist with a passion for American blues. Inspired by artists like Muddy Waters—whose song “Rollin’ Stone” gave the band their name—they started as a scrappy cover band playing Chicago blues in pubs and clubs. Drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Bill Wyman soon joined, solidifying the lineup. By 1963, they were cutting singles and building a reputation for their raw, rebellious sound, a gritty counterpoint to The Beatles’ polished pop. Their first big hit, a cover of Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away” in 1964, launched them into stardom, followed by originals like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” in 1965. Over six decades, the band has released over 30 studio albums, blending rock, blues, country, and even disco, while maintaining their bad-boy image and electrifying live shows.

Fans can keep up with The Rolling Stones through their official website, where they share tour dates, news, and merch. Their social media presence is massive, with updates on Facebook, visually stunning posts on Instagram, and real-time banter on X. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The IORR (It’s Only Rock’n Roll) fan site offers detailed tour info, setlists, and forums for diehards. On Facebook, groups like “Rolling Stones Fans” connect enthusiasts sharing rare photos, bootlegs, and stories. These spaces keep the Stones’ legacy alive, much like their unexpected tribute to Bob Wills keeps the Texas swing king’s spirit rocking.