IT'S A GAS, GAS, GAS!!
MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVES/WEEKLY ROCK POLL POST
Return to Gasx3/Poll Post Board Homepage
Name: Fender Bender
E-Mail:
Subject: RE: RE ALO revisionism
Date: Wednesday, June 03, 2015
Time: 9:30:23 AM
Remote Address: 75.174.20.185
Message ID: 294879
Parent ID: 294870
Thread ID: 294862
I've always thought the Stones could have been every bit as big as The Beatles had Oldham adopted some of the strategies employed by his counterpart Brian Epstein. Epstein realized that each Beatle had a fan base, and he had them portrayed as being a band of equals, even though that wasn't entirely the case. So even Ringo was in the spotlight from time to time, much to the delight of his fans. His personal charisma and popularity overcame what might have been considered limited vocal abilities.
Oldham had a viable strategy in presenting the Stones as "anti-Beatles", not only in image but down to a functional role as well. So (aside from Brian's multi-instrumentation beginning in '66), each member of the band had a defined role. For example, Mick was the sole lead singer, as opposed to having four in The Beatles. What didn't get considered by ALO was that there were untapped resources in the Stones that, by virtue of them not being utilized, also limited the appeal of the band, even as big as they became. Brian had a huge fan base while he was in the band, and I gather Keith did as well. Putting them in the spotlight from time to time would have broadened the Stones appeal, but ALO was fixated on Mick J and no one else being the focus of attention. This was done to the point of actively suppressing Brian's role and visibility in the band, which was a huge mistake both creatively and from a business sense as well.
I would have to agree that ALO did the right thing by insisting that the band come up with its own original material in order to survive in a very competitive business. Brian initially resisted, and that obstructionism no doubt hurt him in the long run. But he did come around and actually helped make the songs sound light years better in the process. From a practical point of view, putting an keeping Brian in his place to further the as-yet unnamed "Glimmer Twins" also put a cap on what their potential could have been. Keith was a go-along person at this time, but in the process his abilities were not fully utilized either. Perhaps he wasn't ready for the spotlight just yet, but as with Brian, a bit of added encouragement might have paid dividends during a time when keeping pace with The Beatles was all that mattered.
Note: Do not hit the "Post Message" button more than once, even if it is taking a long time to post your message. Doing so may cause a double post to appear and could slow down your posting time even more.
Download your free, customizable Burton Networks Message Board now!
© 1998 - 2022 by Keno Internet Services, except where otherwise noted. All rights reserved.