The Stones (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones), made their live debut at London's Marquee Club in 1962. Bill Wyman joined them later that year and Charlie Watts joined in 1963. By the end of that year they were already attracting hordes of screaming fans - but they were also surrounded by controversy and known for their unconventional behaviour!

In 1969, Brian was found dead, shortly after he quit the group. Mick Taylor took his place and stayed with the band until 1974. Ronnie Wood, always a close friend of the other band members, joined in 1975. Bill stayed with the band for three decades until 1993.

The Stones, the ultimate supergroup, have enjoyed success as a group and individually. In spite of 'farewell' tours, they have regularly produced albums and hit singles and continue to tour extensively. In 1968, they were acclaimed the 'Greatest Rock'n Roll Band in the World' - that title is as good a description of them in 1998 as it was thirty years ago.