Here’s a bold statement: The Rolling Stones’ influence is so massive that even if you’re not directly inspired by them, chances are your musical heroes were. But here’s where it gets controversial—while their legacy is undeniable, the how and why of their enduring impact sparks debates that even the most seasoned music lovers can’t ignore. Let’s dive into how Neil Young, a rock icon in his own right, not only acknowledges this influence but openly borrows from it—quite literally.
For anyone crafting rock music today, the shadow of The Rolling Stones is inescapable. Their legacy isn’t just large; it’s monumental, almost too vast to measure. Even if you’re not directly influenced by Mick Jagger and his crew, it’s likely that one of your musical idols was. Take Neil Young, for instance. Throughout his own storied and relentless career, he’s consistently tipped his hat to the Stones. For fans, the band’s unyielding energy and longevity are a gift. They’re still out there, touring and performing, giving even younger generations a chance to witness their magic live. But for fellow musicians, their endurance is nothing short of awe-inspiring. How does Jagger still command the stage with such vigor? Even his slightly younger peers must wonder.
Young, just a few years Jagger’s junior, is no stranger to this marvel. While his own career has never slowed—especially in recent years with his relentless touring—he sees the Stones as a blueprint for longevity. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about lasting; it’s about evolving. “The Rolling Stones, now there was something, because they kept going. They didn’t just last for five years,” Young once remarked. Unlike his own early years bouncing between groups, the Stones formed early and stuck together, impressing him deeply. “It took them longer to make a great contribution. The Beatles made theirs in about five years—bang, gone. The Rolling Stones came out with ‘Miss You’ years after the Beatles broke up,” he noted.
What truly captivates Young is their drive to keep pushing boundaries. “When you think of the Rolling Stones, one of their best qualities is their ability to evolve,” he said, pointing to the Some Girls album as a prime example. “And that’s with Ron Wood, you know. They’d gone through a lot of changes.”
Their endurance has also made them a constant presence in Young’s life and the broader musical landscape. They’ve always been there, offering inspiration that Young eagerly absorbed, especially during his Buffalo Springfield days with ‘Mr Soul.’ But it’s another track where he explicitly acknowledges their influence: ‘Borrowed Tune.’ “I’m singin’ this borrowed tune. I took from the Rolling Stones. Alone in this empty room. Too wasted to write my own,” he sings, lifting the melody directly from the Stones’ ‘Lady Jane.’
The story behind this song is as fascinating as it is relatable. Young described it as “a song I wrote at the beginning of the Time Fades Away tour, reflecting on whether a big stadium tour was right for me.” He’d included ‘Lady Jane’ in his setlist but stumbled on stage, forgetting the chords. “I started playing my own chords, and it started sounding better to me, so I kept going. It just turned into another song,” he explained.
Young’s admiration for the Stones goes beyond their music; it’s about their ability to remain vital. “I liked the fact that the Stones lasted so long and kept making important music,” he said, proudly counting himself among their legions of fans.
Now, here’s the question for you: Is borrowing melodies a tribute or a creative shortcut? Does it diminish the originality of the artist, or is it a testament to the influence of the source material? Let’s spark a conversation in the comments—agree, disagree, or share your own take on this timeless debate.
