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Banned Rolling Stones Documentary Surfaces Online

The stories of the Rolling Stones drug-fueled heyday are about as well known as many of their hits, but now fans can finally see them as they happened. The long-banned tour documentary 'C---sucker Blues,' which was filmed at the height of the group's hedonistic antics, has been leaked on the Web. Shot by photographer/filmmaker Robert Frank during the period after 'Exile on Main Street,' the film was originally commissioned by the Stones but ultimately shelved by the band after it decided that its content was inappropriate.

Filmed over the course of the Stones' 1972 North American tour -- their first on the continent since the tragedy at Altamont -- the film shows both the exhilaration and boredom of being a rock superstar. The Stones can be seen completely unguarded, featuring plenty of drug use -- including a shot of, gasp, Mick Jagger snorting cocaine -- over-the-top roadies, naked groupies and an obligatory "throw a TV over the balcony" scene, among other acts of decadence. At the time of its completion, the quintet refused to sanction the movie's release which ultimately led to a court order forbidding the film from being shown unless Frank is physically present.

That ruling came from the dispute between Frank -- who pushed for the film's release -- and the band. Shot with several cameras, the movie includes filming done by members of the band's entourage, who were encouraged to catch the Stones with their defenses down.

A song sharing the title, "C---sucker Blues" was planned to be the Rolling Stones final single for Decca Records, however the label refused to release the controversially named tune. Now a rarity, it was only released briefly in 1983 on a West German compilation before being deleted.

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stoneystone

I've had this movie for years. it is cool to see them young at their peak. Some great backstage footage.

September 01 2009 at 2:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
AwedByStoopidPeople

And the normal human looks at this circus of comments with a "deer in the headlights" expression and thinks, "Duh?!"

((And in reference to the article: Any word on how the vid leaked?))

August 22 2009 at 1:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
slam

www.stonestube.net

August 22 2009 at 1:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
linda

Clive, excellent comment and absolutely true ! Some of the trash that passes for entertainment these days is unbearable. I remember when music was music, ya kno? (Earth Wind and Fire, Sly and the Family Stone, The Beatles, Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell,James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Phoebe Snow, James Taylor). Geez, don't get me started. Especially regarding television and the so-called reality shows. Since when did other peoples failures and misfortune become entertaining??? But hey, this is just MY opinion. PEACE*

August 22 2009 at 12:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
linda

Roxanne, your comment was very funny.

August 22 2009 at 12:41 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
G

And you my dear Gayle sound like a stupid A-S. Wake up Altamont was 40 years ago.

August 21 2009 at 10:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to G's comment
gayle

And you G, are a stupid A-H!!!!

August 22 2009 at 7:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
g

Ed...Merridith Hunter was only 18 years old. Maybe it wasn't the smartest idea to bring a gun to the concert. But he did not deserve to die the way he did. You say maybe he would still be alive had he not had the gun! I doubt that. Remember, he did have his White Blonde girlfriend with him and it was 1969. Looking at the footage, what I see is that Merridith pulled the gun after being STOMPED and KICKED to scare off his Murderers. The tape clearly shows Merridith getting stabbed in his BACK repeatedly. 28 times to be exact. Not only was he stabbed 28 times. He was stomped in his head and kicked to death. This was a vicious attack.
As for your reference of Merridith being a "Stupid Negro". This pretty much sums up your whole character and makes you look like a "Stupid Caucasion".

August 21 2009 at 9:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
G

I think you've sniffed one too many of your own fart'sa true gas head.

August 21 2009 at 6:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dave

What terrible comments you have for each other. No wonder there are so many wars. It's nasty comments likee this that cause them. I'm glad there is a God in Heaven who will judge every one of us rightly and that He is still in the business of forgiving those who repent and mend their ways. Do any of you remember that verse in the Gospel of John chapter 6 verse 16? The Stones need to read it and so do you & me.

August 21 2009 at 6:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Donnie Mayer

Hey Trixie: I was at that concert too. (The Berlin Airlift Concert). Remember Stevie Wonder was tuning all the instruments and he was awsome on the drums, etc. No one knew who he was as he wasn't on the billing. When he played "Rockin Robin" then the crowd recognized him. The Stones were awesome and a friend of mine filmed it in super8mm, came out pretty good. Thanks for the memories Trixie. LOLv Donnie Mayer

August 21 2009 at 6:18 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply