Brian Jones Death

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Lore & Background

Jones's time in the band was marked by a sharp decline following the development of alcohol and drug problems, which made his studio performance increasingly unreliable. This unreliability led to a diminished role within the group he had founded. In June 1969, the Rolling Stones officially dismissed Jones, replacing him with guitarist Mick Taylor. Less than a month later, on 3 July 1969, Jones died by drowning at the age of 27 in the swimming pool at his home at Cotchford Farm, East Sussex. The death was referenced in songs by many other pop bands, and Pete Townshend wrote a poem about it.

In Their Own Story

In the summer of 1969, Jones's relationship with Swedish dancer Anna Wohlin saw him express immense guilt over not being there for his children. He wished to start over, become a 'real father,' and raise future children in the house he had bought at Cotchford Farm. He also expressed a desire for his sons who had not been raised by adoptive parents to come live with him. Despite these hopes, Wohlin noted that Jones just seemed to drift away from his family responsibilities earlier in the band's success. Tragically, less than a month after his dismissal from the Rolling Stones, he drowned in the pool at this very home. Wohlin later stated she miscarried a girl in August 1969, shortly after his death.

Reader's Guide

The timeline of Jones's departure began with his diminishing role due to substance issues and unreliable performances. By June 1969, the Rolling Stones dismissed him, bringing in Mick Taylor as his replacement. The band moved forward without their founder, but less than a month later, on 3 July 1969, Jones was found dead by drowning at Cotchford Farm. His death had an immediate cultural impact; Pete Townshend and Jim Morrison wrote poems about it, and numerous pop bands referenced the event in their songs. In 1989, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Rolling Stones, cementing his legacy despite his early exit.

Did You Know?

• Jones died by drowning in the swimming pool at his home at Cotchford Farm, East Sussex.
• Pete Townshend wrote a poem about Jones's death.
• Less than a month after being dismissed from the Rolling Stones in June 1969, Jones passed away on 3 July 1969.
• Jones was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 as a member of The Rolling Stones.
• Anna Wohlin stated that during his last year, Jones expressed immense guilt over not being there for his children.