In the late summer of 1981, a powerful hard rock anthem by the Rolling Stones took over the airwaves, claiming the top spot on the charts. This hit song quickly became known as one of the most iconic mainstream rock tracks and a popular sports anthem played at major events.
Titled “Start Me Up,” the song was released as the lead single for the band’s sixteenth studio album. Billboard recognized it as one of the greatest mainstream rock songs of all time, reaching No. 1 on the charts upon its release and landing at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were the masterminds behind this track, originally conceived as a reggae rock song. The song underwent multiple revisions, starting during the recording of the ‘Black and Blue’ album in 1976 and resurfacing during the making of ‘Some Girls’ in 1978. Despite being originally titled “Never Stop,” the band shelved it for future use after numerous edits and reworks.
Fast forward to 1981, when the Rolling Stones were gearing up for a tour. Engineer Chris Kimsey suggested revisiting archived songs to include in their setlist. It was then they rediscovered “Start Me Up,” which had evolved into a more rock-oriented track with a distinctive opening riff that became synonymous with Richards.
“Start Me Up” dominated the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart and became a staple opener for the band’s concerts. This beloved track has been featured in nearly every live album by the Rolling Stones and was even hailed as one of the best sports anthems by Rolling Stone.
Over the years, “Start Me Up” has continued to make its mark, with notable performances at the 2006 Super Bowl halftime show and its use in an Omega ad during the 2012 Summer Olympics. The track was also featured in a tribute to “March Madness” host Greg Gumbel by CBS Sports.
The enduring popularity and infectious energy of “Start Me Up” solidify its status as a timeless classic in the rock music canon, proving that the Rolling Stones’ music continues to resonate with audiences of all generations.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.