When the Stones rolled into town, parents were warned to lock up their daughters. Back in 1962, when it all started, who could have guessed they would still be going strong? The wrinkles may have deepened but they are still one of the most exciting bands in the world. Their devoted following includes a lot of young people who weren't born when they were in their heyday. Mick and the boys have largely stuck to what they do best; good old rock and roll. Their tours are spectacular affairs and take in the biggest stadiums in the world. The band's management has always been canny in promoting their image. Fans proclaim their love after the gig by buying a Rolling Stones t shirt and other merchandise.
Surprisingly, the merchandise doesn't feature many pictures of the band members. It's dominated by the famous tongue logo, which has become visual shorthand for the Stones. Critics may say that a Rolling Stones t shirt or belt buckle etc. uses a logo because they are all about being a corporate franchise now. They are a brand and are marketed as such.
The tongue logo appears in its classic, original form and in several deviations. A Rolling Stones t shirt may have a tongue in flames, a green tongue or a psychedelic one. One shirt shows a Union Jack Flag tongue. Another shows three multicolored tongues in a row, and one shirt has a tongue pierced with a stud. The tongue is everywhere and Mick's cheeky grin and Keith's shaggy hair is rarely seen. Other bands, such as Queen, The Beatles, The Doors and Led Zeppelin like to show their faces. Perhaps the only other band so keen on a logo is Guns and Roses.
There are other images alongside the ubiquitous, lolling tongue, that mostly refer to albums and tours. The Candlestick Park Concert Rolling Stones t shirt just has a small orange logo and the 40 Licks Tour has the places visited on the tour printed on the reverse. There is a shirt commemorating the North American Tour of 1981.
Prints from album covers are used sometimes, as in Black and Blue that does actually show a picture of the band. The Some Girls shirt shows the rows of young ladies. The Tattoo You album shirt shows the tongue logo wrapped in a Tattoo You sort of ribbon. Made in the Shade is a straightforward picture, lifted from the cover, showing a bikini clad woman busily sunbathing. One of their most celebrated albums, Sticky Fingers, is remembered by a shirt with the famous black jeans image.
Other alternative images to the above are available. The logo appears again, accompanied with the words established in 1962, and the band is seen running in front of the logo. Is this a plea for help! There is a pink babydoll shirt with a shocking pink logo and a dragon with pink wings. A Rolling Stones t shirt may give the owner's age away but if the Stones aren't past their sell by date, why should it matter?
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