New Rolling Stones Podcast Launches Featuring Original Manager
via The Rolling Stones / YouTube
A fresh perspective on the legacy of The Rolling Stones has arrived with the launch of a brand-new podcast, Lip Service. The series promises deep dives into the band’s six-decade journey, with each episode featuring candid interviews from those who know the Stones best. It’s a chance to hear stories from insiders who lived through the highs, lows, and defining moments of one of rock’s greatest bands.
The host of the show is Simon Harper, the former Editor-In-Chief of Clash Magazine and a contributor to Classic Rock. Harper brings not only his journalistic experience but also a genuine passion for uncovering the human side of rock history. His approach focuses on highlighting personal stories that shaped the band’s trajectory, both in public and behind the scenes.
By starting with the Stones’ original manager Andrew Loog Oldham, the podcast immediately anchors itself in the group’s earliest and most formative years. Oldham’s perspective provides a rare, firsthand look at how the band’s rebellious image and musical direction were forged.
Revisiting the Stones’ Early Years
In its debut episode, Lip Service puts the spotlight on Oldham, who managed the Rolling Stones from 1963 to 1967. His stories capture the energy of a time when the band was just beginning to establish itself as the edgy alternative to The Beatles. From the first time he saw them perform live to the details of their rise to stardom, Oldham shares anecdotes only he could tell.
One of the striking elements of the conversation is Oldham’s recollection of Decca Records’ infamous decision not to sign The Beatles. While the music world often jokes about the blunder, Oldham provides context that brings new understanding to the situation. His commentary shows how chance and judgment calls shaped the course of British rock history.
He also discusses the Stones’ image, emphasizing that their rebellious reputation wasn’t crafted in a marketing room. According to Oldham, the rawness and danger people associated with the band was authentic, setting them apart from the carefully managed pop acts of the era.
View this post on Instagram
The Personal Side of Fame
Oldham doesn’t shy away from the darker parts of his journey either. In the interview, he reflects on his struggles with mental health during the 1960s, a subject often overlooked in the era’s glamorous portrayals of rock and roll. His openness adds depth to the conversation, reminding listeners that the people behind the music faced real battles beyond the stage lights.
He recalls time spent in a nursing home, not only for treatment but also as a form of retreat from the pressures of the music business. He even shares a striking memory of running into Hank B. Marvin of The Shadows in such a setting—proof that even the most successful artists weren’t immune to personal struggles.
What stands out is how Oldham learned to balance his work with moments of escape. He describes weekends spent in the clinic as almost therapeutic, where meals with his shrink and time away from the industry gave him space to reset before returning to the chaos on Monday mornings.
Stories That Still Resonate
The hour-long conversation isn’t just about history—it’s also about Oldham’s ongoing connection to the music. He shares his personal picks for the Rolling Stones’ most underrated track and his all-time favorite song, giving fans insight into how the man behind the scenes still views the band’s catalog today.
By mixing tales of fame, personal battles, and musical appreciation, the podcast captures a layered portrait of both the band and their first manager. It’s a reminder that the Stones’ story is made up not only of legendary concerts and records but also of the people who shaped their path.
As Lip Service continues, fans can expect more of these untold stories from the band’s extended family of collaborators and confidants. For those who love The Rolling Stones, this podcast offers more than nostalgia—it’s a living archive that brings their history into the present.
Listen to the full first episode below:
