Fri Jan 16 22:20:00 UTC 2026: # Rolling Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday” Reflects Exhaustion and European Influence
The Story:
In January 1967, The Rolling Stones released “Ruby Tuesday,” a song that contrasts sharply with their more aggressive rock anthems. The article suggests this shift in sound was influenced by a combination of factors: intense touring fatigue, increased scrutiny from law enforcement regarding drug use, and a return to Europe. Frontman Mick Jagger attributed the song’s softer, more sentimental tone to a European headspace, contrasting it with the “uptight” and “jangling” energy he associated with the United States. Despite its un-American sentiment, “Ruby Tuesday” achieved significant success in the U.S., topping both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100 charts.
Key Points:
- “Ruby Tuesday” was released on January 13, 1967, marking a departure from The Rolling Stones’ typically brash sound.
- Touring fatigue and legal pressures contributed to a shift in the band’s environment and songwriting.
- Mick Jagger believes the song’s European influence contributed to its more sentimental tone, contrasting it with American influences.
- “Ruby Tuesday” reached number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100 charts in the U.S.
- The A-side of the single, “Let’s Spend the Night Together”, faced censorship in the U.S., boosting “Ruby Tuesday”’s popularity.
Key Takeaways:
- Creative shifts in music often reflect the personal and environmental pressures experienced by artists.
- Geographic location and cultural context can profoundly influence artistic expression.
- Public reception of music is not always aligned with the artist’s perceived influences or intentions.
- Controversy and censorship can inadvertently amplify the success of a song.
First Piper 