Ian Stewart

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Lore & Background

Stewart's relationship with the Rolling Stones began when he was working as a shipping clerk at Imperial Chemical Industries. He handled all their bookings from his desk because none of the other members had telephones, and he even purchased a van to transport the group and their equipment. In early May 1963, Oldham insisted Stewart leave the stage, citing that six members were too many and that Stewart's older, burly appearance clashed with the desired image. Stewart accepted this demotion without complaint, famously driving the band to gigs while Keith Richards noted that it took a 'big heart' for Stu to say 'OK, I'll just drive you around.' He remained aloof from the group's drug abuse and partying lifestyle, often booking hotels near golf courses so he could play a round in the morning while the others sought nightlife. His dedication was absolute; Mick Jagger later stated that they always wanted his approval when writing or rehearsing songs.

In Their Own Story

The dynamic of the band shifted permanently in May 1963 when Stewart stepped down from the stage but stayed on as their road manager and pianist. He loaded gear into his van, drove the group to shows, replaced guitar strings, and set up Charlie Watts's drums exactly how he would have played them. Despite being offstage, his musical influence persisted; he refused to play in minor keys, stating, 'When I'm on stage with the Stones and a minor chord comes along, I lift me hands in protest.' He contributed piano, organ, electric piano, or percussion to all Rolling Stones albums between 1964 and 1986, excluding Their Satanic Majesties Request, Beggars Banquet, and Some Girls. His boogie-woogie style was so integral that he played on tracks like 'Honky Tonk Women' and 'Brown Sugar.' In 1976, he offered a sobering perspective on their success: 'You can squawk about money, but the money the Stones have made hasn't done them much good. It's really gotten them into some trouble,' referring to their tax exile status.

Reader's Guide

Ian Stewart's musical footprint extended well beyond the Rolling Stones' core discography. He contributed piano and organ to Led Zeppelin's 'Rock and Roll' from Led Zeppelin IV and 'Boogie with Stu' from Physical Graffiti, both recorded in 1971. He also appeared on Howlin' Wolf's 1971 album The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions alongside Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr, as well as George Thorogood and the Destroyers' 1982 album Bad to the Bone. In 1966, Bill Wyman produced a session titled 'Stu-Ball' for Ian Stewart and the Railroaders at IBC Studios, featuring Keith Richards on guitar. In his later years, Stewart continued to perform with Rocket 88 and contributed to The Blues Band's album These Kind of Blues in 1981. His legacy was cemented after his death in December 1985 from a massive heart attack; the band requested his name be included in their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1989, and Keith Richards wrote in his 2010 autobiography that 'Without his knowledge and organisation ... we'd be nowhere.'

Did You Know?

• Stewart's desk at Imperial Chemical Industries served as the official headquarters of the Stones organisation because he was the only member with a telephone.
• He refused to play in minor keys, claiming he would 'lift me hands in protest' whenever one appeared on stage.
• Keith Richards described Stewart as having one of the largest hearts around for accepting his removal from the lineup simply to drive the band and manage their logistics.
• Stewart was 47 years old when he died of a massive heart attack while waiting at a clinic in early December 1985.
• The fictional detective John Rebus, created by Ian Rankin, was partially inspired by Stewart's character as the 'sixth Stone'.