This is the first album to be produced by Jimmy Miller, who would stay with the band until 1973. Recording began in March of 1968 and finished up July of the same year. By this stage Brian Jones's input into the band had deteriorated due to his increased drug use and depression, hence making Beggars Banquet the last the studio album from the Stones to contain his full efforts.

The album was critically acclaimed when it was released and reached quite high up both UK and US album charts. Nowadays it is considered one of the Stones's best albums, and Mick Jagger has previously stated that it is his favourite studio album. The album is number 57 on Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of all Time list.

Originally, the cover was a plain cream colour with the text "Rolling Stones / Beggars Banquet" in the center, with RSVP written at the bottom left. This cover was suggested by Decca, who turned down The Stone's desire to have a cover which pictured a toilet with graffiti around it. However, when the album was released on CD in 1984, the toilet cover was used and has been ever since.

The Rolling Stones
Mick Jagger - lead vocals, backing vocals, harmonica
Brian Jones - slide guitar, backing vocals, sitar, tamboura, mellotron, harmonica
Keith Richards - acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar, lead and backing vocals
Charlie Watts - drums, percussion, backing vocals
Bill Wyman - bass guitar, backing vocals, percussion

Additional personnel
Rocky Dijon - congas
Ric Grech - fiddle
Nicky Hopkins - piano
Dave Mason - Mellotron, shehnai
Jimmy Miller - backing vocals
Watts Street Gospel Choir - backing vocals

In 1968 the album reached #3 in the UK album chart and in 1969 it reached #5 in the Billboard Pop Albums chart.

Page last updated: 03/Apr/2012