As Keith Richards and others attest, the Rolling Stones were Ian Stewart’s band. Stewart, or ‘Stu’ as he was universally known, was a highly talented blues and boogie woogie pianist and, despite being ejected from the group on the brink of stardom, remained with the Stones as Road Manager, and playing on all their records while simultaneously shaping the emerging rhythm and blues scene of Southern Britain in the early 1960s. Guitarists Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck regard Stu as their musical touchstone and catalyst for their own bands. Not simply a voyeur of a rock band’s rise, Stewart, a keen and dedicated photographer, also went on to produce some truly unique and historic pictures.
“The book is brilliant - a wonderful testament to a man who was quite content to stay in the background, hardly noticed by the public - but loved by everyone who worked with him. His contributions are not forgotten.”
Bill Wyman
Stu was the Stones’ musical conscience and remained their key stabilizing force over the years. Never one to seek centre stage, it was the wish of this unique volume’s contributors, Stu’s friends, family and colleagues, that Stu should at last be given his due place in the spotlight - an unprecedented and timely tribute a true unsung hero.
“What began as a celebration of a unique man, Ian Stewart, is actually a vital contribution to the story of 20th century culture. Publisher and Editor Will Nash, has not only created a beautiful book but a vital report about modern music.”
Marsha Hunt
Mick Jagger on Stu
"When he was playing the band swung a lot harder than when he wasn’t."
Keith Richards on Stu
"During the 1970s I always had a feeling that Stu had incredible faith in me."
Charlie Watts on Stu
"Stu used to set my drums up the way he played them, not the way I wanted"
There are over 90 other contributors to Stu
There has been unprecidented press coverage of Stu