In November 1968, the Rolling Stones released Beggars Banquet, the last full album with the five original Rolling Stones. Even as guitarist Brian Jones’ grasp on reality was taking its toll, the Stones weren’t about to let the year end without a bang. So over two days in December, they somehow got John Lennon, Eric Clapton, the Who, Jethro Tull, Taj Mahal and Marianne Faithfull to show up at a London television studio with a makeshift circus set and perform alongside actual circus acts. Director Michael Lindsay-Hogg (Let It Be, Ready Steady Go!), and cinematographer Tony Richmond (Sympathy For The Devil / ONE PLUS ONE, Let It Be) filmed the best parts (maybe more) and the whole mess was dubbed The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus, intended for a BBC broadcast. Instead, it sat unreleased, collecting cobwebs for nearly 30 years. After standard VHS and DVD releases, 2019 sees a major restoration of the film, resulting in a Limited Deluxe Edition multi-format package with a Blu-Ray, DVD, and two-CD soundtrack.
One rumor as to why the Stones didn’t release The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus for so long is that the Who pretty much blew them and everyone else off the stage (Their s performance made its public debut in their own film, the 1979 documentary The Kids Are Alright). Whatever the reason, the Stones have nothing to be ashamed of. They blast through “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Parachute Woman,” and “Sympathy For The Devil” with relative ease. Even Jones, with only a months to live, somehow manages to hang on, turning in a honorable slide solo on “No Expectations.” Mick Jagger is the ringmaster, the shaman, the main attraction all rolled into one.
A relatively unknown Jethro Tull turn in a rousing, partially mimed run through of “Song For Jeffrey” before a dazed crowd of hipsters in yellow rain macs. The Who follow and proceed to twist, tarnish, attack, and slay “A Quick One While He’s Away,” Pete Townshend’s mini rock opera. Taj Mahal and his band rip away the blues on “Ain’t That A Lot Of Love.” Charlie Watts introduces the “beautiful” Marianne Faithfull, whose casual stroll through “Something Better” renders a bit of cool and comfort, reminding everyone this is the swinging 60s.
John Lennon’s presence is enough to keep even Mick Jagger on his toes. Yoko Ono at his side, Lennon proceeds to play his first gig as a famous Beatle without Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Instead, he assembled a rag-tag bunch with a weary-eyed Eric Clapton squirting out the leads, Keith Richards on bass, and Mitch Mitchell of the Jimi Hendrix Experience on drums. Together, they churn out a rough and ready version of “Yer Blues” from the then-new White Album. After that, all bets are off as Israeli violinist Ivry Gitlis and Ono, mic in her hand and angst in her voice box, square off in a battle of cacophonic madness. As The Dirty Mac, they somehow earn the respect of the yellow macs. After that, you can click through the menu and take a peak at the fire eater and Luna before moving onto the Stones.
The Deluxe Edition of Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus is rounded out with a 44-page book featuring David Dalton’s original 1969 Rolling Stone essay and photographs by Michael Randolf. The soundtrack has been expanded to 28 tracks, including three songs by Taj Mahal, The Dirty Mac performing the Beatles “Revolution,” plus a self-described “Warmup Jam.” The film can be viewed in both original 4×3 and widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. There’s also commentary from Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Tony Richmond, Michael Lindsay-Hogg, Yoko Ono and Marianne Faithfull, as well as a revealing interview with Pete Townshend, in which the Who guitarist fills in a few blanks on the origins of The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus. As the fluttering notes of the show’s grand finale “Salt Of The Earth” fade away, you have to step back and remember that 50 years ago, the Rolling Stones were on the verge of becoming the World’s Greatest Rock & Roll Band. Based on where things land today, they probably still are.
~ Shawn Perry
