Sympathy for the Devil

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin the iconic track Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones. This 1968 rock samba from the album Beggars Banquet is steeped in fascinating stories. Inspired by Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel The Master and Margarita, gifted to Mick Jagger by his then-girlfriend Marianne Faithfull, the song’s lyrics channel a suave, devilish narrator recounting humanity’s darkest moments, from the crucifixion of Jesus to the assassination of the Kennedys. Jagger, reflecting on its creation in a 1995 Rolling Stone interview, noted that he initially wrote it as a folk song, but Keith Richards suggested the hypnotic samba rhythm that gave it its signature edge. The recording process, captured in Jean-Luc Godard’s 1968 film One Plus One, was chaotic—literally. A studio fire broke out during filming due to a misplaced lamp, yet producer Jimmy Miller saved the song’s tapes as flames roared, adding a near-mythic layer to its legacy.

Another juicy tidbit comes from the song’s backing vocals. The famous “woo-woo” chant was born when Anita Pallenberg, Keith Richards’ partner, overheard producer Jimmy Miller muttering “who, who?” during a vocal take. She suggested incorporating it, and after one take, it morphed into the infectious “woo-woo” we know today, with Pallenberg, Faithfull, Richards, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts joining in around a shared mic. The song’s provocative lyrics sparked accusations of devil worship, which Jagger found surprising, telling Creem magazine, “It was only one song, after all. It wasn’t like it was a whole album with occult signs on the back.” Keith Richards, in a 2002 quote, framed it differently: “It’s just a matter of looking the Devil in the face. He’s there all the time.” The song’s notoriety grew with a misconception that it was playing during the tragic 1969 Altamont concert when Meredith Hunter was killed, though the Stones were actually performing Under My Thumb. Still, the controversy cemented its status as a cultural lightning rod.

The Rolling Stones began their journey in London in 1962, rooted in a shared love for blues and R&B. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, childhood friends who reconnected as teenagers, bonded over their record collections, particularly admiring artists like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry. They joined forces with Brian Jones, a multi-instrumentalist who initially led the group, along with Ian Stewart, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts. Playing gritty covers in small clubs like the Crawdaddy Club, they honed their raw, rebellious sound, quickly gaining a devoted following. By 1963, their first single, a cover of Chuck Berry’s Come On, marked their rise, followed by a string of hits that blended blues with rock swagger. Manager Andrew Loog Oldham pushed them to write original songs, leading to classics like (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction. Despite lineup changes—Jones’ departure and death in 1969, Wyman’s exit in 1993—and personal struggles, the Stones’ relentless energy and Jagger’s charismatic showmanship kept them a global force for over six decades.

Stay connected with The Rolling Stones through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, archival gems, and more. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Sympathy For The Devils, a hub for Stones news, discography, and tour info. Join fellow Zoo Freaks in fan communities like the It’s Only Rock’n Roll (IORR) forum, where devotees trade stories, memorabilia, and concert tips. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the Stones’ magic, these platforms keep the spirit of rock’n’roll alive.