Remembering Rolling Stones Rocker Brian Jones on Anniversary of His Death at Age 27 (Photos)
On July 3, 1969, legendary multi-instrumentalist musician and The Rolling Stones founder Brian Jones died by drowning in his pool, just a month after being kicked out of the iconic rock band for becoming too unreliable. Jones had been battling a drug and alcohol addiction, which was likely at the root of it. But he wasn’t the only famous icon partying his way through the 1960s.
Guitarist Brian Jones is not only a founder of The Rolling Stones but also one of the earliest inductees into the tragic 27 Club — an unofficial, informal list of musicians who all coincidentally died at age 27; the most famous members of this club also include Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and The Doors frontman Jim Morrison (who also died on July 3 but in 1971).
George Stroud/Express/Getty Image; Evening Standard/Getty Images; Central Press/Getty Images
Jones lives on forever in the memory of Rock and Roll, however. His death was referenced in several songs, as well as poems by Pete Townshend and Jim Morrison (and there is also a garage rock band called The Brian Jonestown Massacre). Plus, without him, there would be no Rolling Stones!
Below, we take a look at Brian Jones throughout his tragically short life.
1963: The Early Years
The Rolling Stones (clockwise from top) Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards and Ian Stewart.
1963: Jones Stone
A young Jones playing a harmonica with one hand and clutching a guitar in his other.
1965: Hanging Back Stage
Richards, Jones and Bill Wyman backstage before a concert. Jones is reading a fanzine dedicated to the group.
1968: Motown Meets Rock
Diana Ross chatting it up during an aftershow party celebrating The Supremes at the Palladium.
1968: 'Sympathy For the Devil'
Jean-Luc Godard (right) directs Jones during the shooting of the documentary film ‘Sympathy For the Devil’ (aka ‘One Plus One’).
1968: Rolling Stones 'Beggars Banquet' Faux Banquet
Held in the Kensington Gore Hotel, they staged a mock-medieval banquet for the launch of their new album ‘Beggars Banquet’, London, 5th December 1968; (L-R) Brian Jones (1942 – 1969), Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts.
1968: Food Fight!
Mick and Jones enjoying a pie fight at the Kensington Gore Hotel, during the faux banquet as drummer, Charlie Watts (left) looks on.
1968: With Model Donyale Luna
Sitting in on the filming of ‘Rolling Stones’ Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus’ at Internel Studios.
1968: Beatles, Stones & The Who?
Brian Jones with Yoko Ono, John Lennon and their son, Julian at a Wembley studio. Standing behind them is Roger Daltrey of the Who.
1968: Charged! With Weed?
A distraught Jones after he was arrested at his Chelsea flat, taken to the local police station and charged with possession of cannabis under the Dangerous Drugs Act.
1968: Post Court Date
After being charged and paying a 50£ fine he was by welcomed by fashion model Suki Portier, Richards and Jagger.
1969: Dead Pool
The 15th Century farmhouse at Hartfield, Sussex Jones owned where he was found dead in the swimming pool, 3rd July 1969.
1969: Rock N Roll coffin
Before being buried in his grave at Cheltenham Cemetery, UK.
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