Shattered

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some gritty vibes as The Zoo Crew spins "Shattered" by The Rolling Stones from their 1978 album Some Girls. This track is a raw, punk-infused snapshot of New York City’s chaotic energy in the late '70s. Mick Jagger, in a 1978 Rolling Stone interview, revealed he wrote the lyrics in the back of a New York cab, capturing the city’s decay with lines like “Love and hope and sex and dreams are still surviving on the street.” The song’s loose, jagged groove, built on Keith Richards’ grimy guitar riff and the band’s “shadoobie” refrain, blends punk and disco influences, making it a standout on the album. Jagger’s half-spoken, rapid-fire delivery even hints at the early stirrings of hip-hop, reflecting the Bronx’s emerging scene. The lyrics, with their love-hate take on NYC—possibly inspired by the 1977 blackout and looting—swing between gritty realism and twisted admiration, as Jagger sings, “Pride and joy and greed and sex, that’s what makes our town the best.”

Another wild tidbit comes from the band’s 1978 Saturday Night Live performance of "Shattered." It was a chaotic mess, with the Stones admittedly having a bit too much fun backstage. The real buzz, though, was Mick Jagger’s five-second lip-licking moment with Ron Wood on live TV—a bold, shocking move for the time that had fans talking for years. Jagger later explained the song’s creation, saying, “Keith and Woody put a riff down, and all we had was the word ‘shattered.’ So I just made the rest up and thought it would sound better if it were half-talked.” The track, released as a single with “Everything Is Turning to Gold” on the B-side, hit number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a fan favorite, often cited as a tribute to the New York Dolls’ Lower East Side swagger.

The Rolling Stones formed in London in 1962, rooted in their love for Chicago blues and early rock and roll. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, childhood friends who reconnected as teenagers, bonded over their shared passion for blues records by artists like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry. They started jamming with guitarist Brian Jones, bassist Bill Wyman, and drummer Charlie Watts, playing covers in small clubs. Jones initially led the group, but the Jagger-Richards songwriting partnership soon took over, crafting original hits that defined their gritty, rebellious sound. Their manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, pushed them to write their own songs and cultivated their bad-boy image, setting them apart from the cleaner-cut Beatles. By the mid-1960s, they were global stars, with their raw energy and provocative lyrics cementing their status as rock’s definitive band.

Stay connected with The Rolling Stones through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest news, tour dates, and exclusive content. Fans can dive deeper into the Stones’ world at fan-run sites like It’s Only Rock’n Roll, a hub for tour info, setlists, and fan forums. Another great spot is The Rolling Stones Archive, packed with rare photos and historical tidbits. On Facebook, groups like The Rolling Stones Fans bring Zoo Freaks together to share stories, trade vinyl, and celebrate the band’s six-decade legacy. Keep rocking with The Zoo Crew, and let “Shattered” shake your soul!