Slave

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Slave by The Rolling Stones from their 1981 album Tattoo You, spinning now on THE ZOO! This funky blues jam, originally recorded in 1975 during the Black and Blue sessions in Rotterdam under the working title "Vagina," showcases the Stones experimenting with dance and funk vibes. The track, running 4:55 on vinyl but extended to 6:34 on CD and digital versions, features a stellar lineup of guest artists. Jazz legend Sonny Rollins lays down a searing saxophone solo, invited by Mick Jagger after a standout New York club performance, with Rollins noting his wife Lucille urged him to join, saying, “Man, it’s the Stones!” Pete Townshend of The Who adds backing vocals, a nod to his connection with the band, as he once claimed to have borrowed his iconic windmill guitar move from Keith Richards. Billy Preston brings electric piano and organ, while percussionists Ollie E. Brown and Mike Carabello (on congas) add rhythmic flair. Interestingly, the original 1974 session included Jeff Beck on guitar and Nicky Hopkins on piano, but their parts were later erased during the 1981 overdub sessions.

The lyrics of Slave are minimal, with Jagger repeating “Don’t want to be your slave” and a brief spoken verse asking a lady to steal from a supermarket and swing by the liquor store. Described by Rolling Stone magazine as a “standard Stones blues jam,” the song’s loose, groove-heavy vibe stretches into an 11-minute bootleg version known as “The Black and Blue Jam.” Despite its infectious energy, Slave has never been performed live by the Stones, though they rehearsed it in 2002. The track’s creation came at a transitional time, as the band was auditioning guitarists to replace Mick Taylor, with only Richards on guitar for the final cut. This eclectic mix of contributors and its funky origins make Slave a unique gem in the Stones’ catalog, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s vinyl-spinning vibe.

The Rolling Stones kicked off their legendary journey in London in 1962, rooted in blues and early rock and roll. Formed by vocalist Mick Jagger, guitarist Keith Richards, multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones, bassist Bill Wyman, and drummer Charlie Watts, the band initially played covers, channeling influences like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry. Their gritty, rhythm-driven sound helped define hard rock. Manager Andrew Loog Oldham, who joined in 1963, pushed Jagger and Richards to write original songs, sparking the iconic Jagger-Richards songwriting partnership. Oldham’s vision to market the Stones as rebellious “undesirables” contrasted with the cleaner image of bands like The Beatles, and his savvy secured them a lucrative Decca Records deal with high royalties and full artistic control. By the mid-1960s, hits like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” cemented their status as global rock icons, setting the stage for decades of influential albums and massive tours.

Stay connected with The Rolling Stones through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest news, tour dates, and exclusive content. Fans can dive deeper at websites like It’s Only Rock’n’Roll (IORR), a hub for Stones enthusiasts with tour info, setlists, and forums, or Rolling Stones Data, packed with song facts and band history. Join fellow Zoo Freaks in fan communities like the Rolling Stones Fans Facebook group, where diehards share stories, rare photos, and love for the band’s timeless sound. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew!