The Time The Rolling Stones Nearly Broke Up Due To Mick Jagger And Keith Richards’ Feuding

March 21, 2025

In the mid-1980s, the world was captivated by The Rolling Stones, a band known for their electrifying performances and legendary music. However, behind the scenes, tension simmered between two of its most iconic members: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Their friendship, once strong and unbreakable, started to crack under the pressure of their different visions for the band. The feuding grew so intense that fans worried it might lead to the end of The Rolling Stones, a thought that sent shivers down the spines of music lovers everywhere.

Mick and Keith had always been a dynamic duo, creating timeless songs that spoke to generations. But as the 1980s progressed, styles began to shift, and so did their creative disagreements. Mick wanted to explore new sounds and trends, even experimenting with solo projects, while Keith held on to the band’s classic rock roots. This clash of ideas led to hurt feelings and heated arguments, creating a divide that seemed too vast to bridge. Many nights in the studio were filled with silence instead of music, each man stubbornly standing his ground. The air was thick with tension, and it felt as if the heart of The Rolling Stones was beating its last rhythm.

The turning point came one night in 1986 when a particularly explosive argument left both men fuming. Keith stormed out of the studio, leaving Mick devastated and unsure of what to do. For days, there was no communication between them. It felt like the band was on the brink of collapse. Fans everywhere were worried. They had grown up listening to Jagger’s soaring voice and Richards’ soulful guitar, but now it seemed like their musical heroes would go their separate ways, leaving a gaping void in rock history.

But the passion for music was something neither Mick nor Keith could ignore. After a week of silence, Mick decided to reach out to Keith, realizing that their friendship and the band meant too much to let go. They had shared countless stages and experiences, and this was just one of those bumps in the road. When they finally met to talk, it was emotional. Mick spoke about how much the band meant to him and how their music had the power to connect people, while Keith reminded him of their shared history and why they started making music together in the first place. Their conversation became the catalyst for healing, as both men realized they needed each other more than they ever thought.

From that moment on, The Rolling Stones were revitalized. They poured their energy into their next album, “Steel Wheels,” which became one of their most successful. The passion and love for music that brought them together reignited their creative fire, and they went on to tour the world once again, playing their hearts out for fans. The experience taught them that even the strongest friendships could face challenges, but it was the willingness to talk and listen that could mend even the deepest rifts.

The resilience displayed by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards became a lesson for fans and aspiring musicians alike. They proved that great art could emerge from struggle, and that sometimes, it takes a shake-up to remind us of what really matters. In the end, The Rolling Stones not only survived their near-breakup but came back stronger and more united than ever, reminding everyone that music is a powerful bond that can weather any storm.