Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Despite having a lengthy and outstanding rock career, producer Steve Lillywhite’s time with The Rolling Stones is undoubtedly one of his most challenging experiences, as per UCR. Lillywhite was hired in 1985 to produce “Dirty Work”, the Stones‘ eighteenth studio album. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards’ ongoing internal strife was a major factor in the band’s turbulent time.
I worked with Keith and Mick when they were not talking to each other at all, maybe one hour out of the whole time that we were making the record. It was hell. They literally weren’t [in the same room].
Lillywhite found himself in an unpleasant position as both a mediator and a translator due to the uncomfortable circumstances.
I would have one come up to me go ‘blah blah blah blah,’ and I would go and say [the message] to the other one. And he would go, ‘You tell him, blah blah blah blah.’
Lillywhite compared his function to that of a diplomat.
I say I was Henry Kissinger.
Despite the turbulent circumstances, “Dirty Work” sold well when it was released in March 1986. The Stones did not tour in promotion of the album because of the band’s ongoing problems. Lillywhite acknowledged that his time with The Rolling Stones was challenging, but it was also instructive. The producer said he discovered how crucial it is to have non-band members come to the studio.
I learned this from the Rolling Stones, never stop people coming into the studio. Always have an open door policy. When people come in and they listen to something, I sort of hear it through their ears. So there might be something that I’m, subconsciously, I’m thinking it’s not quite right, but it hasn’t come to the conscience yet. Whereas when someone’s in there listening and I’m playing them a rough mix I go, got it. Now I know what we have to change.
