Following the make-up of Mick and Keith's public fallout, recording for this album began in London and Montserrat. This is the first album to include no piano input from Ian Stewart, who had died some four years ago. It is also the first album that was recorded digitally and the last album to be recorded by bassist Bill Wyman who subsequently left the band.

The album was critically well received, with reviews noting how Steel Wheels emulated a classic Stones sound. Following the release of the album, The Stones went on their Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour, launched in August 1989 and lasting until the same time the following year.

The Rolling Stones
Mick Jagger - lead and backing vocals, electric and acoustic guitar, and harmonica
Keith Richards - electric, acoustic, and classical guitar, lead and backing vocals
Charlie Watts - drums
Ronnie Wood - electric and acoustic guitar, bass guitar, backing vocals, and dobro
Bill Wyman - bass guitar

Additional personnel
Chuck Leavell - organ, piano, and keyboards
Matt Clifford - keyboards, electric and acoustic piano, clavinet, and harmonium
Sarah Dash - backing vocals
Lisa Fischer - backing vocals
Bernard Fowler - backing vocals
Luis Jardim - percussion
Phil Beer - mandolin and fiddle
The Kick Horns - brass
Roddy Lorimer - trumpet
Master Musicians of Jajouka with Bachir Attar Farafina — African-Moroccan instruments
Sonia Morgan - backing vocals
Tessa Niles - backing vocals

The album reached #2 in the UK album charts and #3 in the US Billboard 200 chart.

Page last updated: 03/Apr/2012