Bob Wills Is Still The King (Live 2006)

The Zoo Crew, a vibrant collective of hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, is spinning the electrifying track "Bob Wills Is Still The King (Live 2006)" by The Rolling Stones from their album Stage Acts, Volume 2 for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This performance, captured during the band’s A Bigger Bang Tour at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, on October 22, 2006, is a rare gem in the Stones’ repertoire. Mick Jagger introduced the song with a playful remark, “We’ve never done this before in front of an audience,” which sent the crowd of 42,000 into a frenzy as he sang, “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.” Originally penned by Waylon Jennings in 1975 as a tribute to Western swing icon Bob Wills, the Stones’ rendition was a one-off, never performed live by them before or since, making it a unique moment immortalized on the DVD set The Biggest Bang. Fans on Reddit have lauded the cover, with one user noting, “It’s almost weird how much better they are at Country than most bands today,” while others chuckled at Ronnie Wood’s spirited, if slightly chaotic, attempt at pedal steel guitar, calling it a “trainwreck” jam that added to the performance’s charm.

The song’s history carries juicy trivia tied to Jennings’ original version, which was reportedly sparked by a booking disagreement with his fellow outlaw country star Willie Nelson. Jennings’ lyrics, particularly the line about Austin, were a cheeky jab at Nelson’s dominance in the city, though Nelson took it in stride, praising the song as a “hit” and affirming, “Bob Wills was still the king.” The Stones’ decision to cover it was a nod to Texas pride, amplified by the raucous reception from the Austin crowd, as reported by the Austin American-Statesman. The performance, filmed with stunning clarity and helicopter shots showcasing the vibrant festival atmosphere, was a highlight of the concert, which generated an economic impact of about $25 million for Austin, akin to a Longhorns football game. Some fans on the Telecaster Guitar Forum speculated the cover was a marketing ploy to appeal to country audiences, but others defended it as a risky, heartfelt tribute, with Keith Richards’ known love for country music—evident in tracks like “Country Honk” from Sticky Fingers—lending authenticity to the effort.

The Rolling Stones, formed in London in 1962, are one of rock’s most enduring acts, pioneered by a gritty, rhythm-driven sound that defined hard rock. The band’s origins trace back to multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones, who assembled the initial lineup, named the group, and steered their early gigs and image. Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Bill Wyman (bass), and Charlie Watts (drums) solidified the core, with Jones as the early leader. Their passion for American blues and R&B, inspired by artists like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry, fueled their raw, rebellious style. Starting in local clubs, they gained traction through relentless gigging and a residency at the Crawdaddy Club, which caught the eye of manager Andrew Loog Oldham. Their 1964 debut album, The Rolling Stones, packed with covers, cemented their bad-boy reputation, contrasting with The Beatles’ cleaner image. By the mid-1960s, hits like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” propelled them to global stardom, setting the stage for a six-decade career marked by reinvention and resilience.

Fans can stay connected with The Rolling Stones through their official website, which offers tour dates, news, and merchandise. Their social media presence is robust, with updates on Facebook, visually captivating posts on Instagram, and lively exchanges on X. For Zoo Freaks craving deeper dives, fan communities thrive online. The IORR (It’s Only Rock’n Roll) fan site provides detailed tour info, setlists, and forums for diehards. On Facebook, groups like Rolling Stones Fans unite enthusiasts sharing rare photos, bootlegs, and stories, keeping the band’s legacy alive, much like their spirited tribute to Bob Wills keeps the Texas swing king’s spirit rocking.