The “Cursed” Guitar Used On “Under My Thumb” That Broke During The Mix

April 2, 2025

In the mid-1960s, a young musician named Mick Jagger was riding high on the waves of rock and roll. The Rolling Stones had just released a string of hits, and they were about to create something that would solidify their place in music history: the song “Under My Thumb.” But there was something strange about the guitar they used during the recording sessions—a guitar that many would later refer to as “cursed.” It was a vintage piece, brimming with character, but it had a tendency to misbehave, cracking and buzzing in unexpected moments, as if it had a personality of its own.

During a crucial mixing session, with the energy in the studio crackling like the notes from that very guitar, disaster struck. The air was heavy with anticipation and excitement; the band could feel that they were about to create something magical. But just as the song reached a crescendo, the guitar broke. The sound that had flowed through the studio like a river of emotion suddenly stopped, leaving everyone stunned. Mick and the band exchanged worried glances, the music that had once felt so alive now trapped in a moment of silence. It felt like the universe was teasing them, reminding them of the unpredictability of life and art.

But Mick Jagger was not one to back down easily. He picked up the pieces of the broken guitar, both literally and metaphorically. Instead of despairing, he channeled his frustration into a raw energy that inspired the entire band. They gathered around, brainstorming ideas, their creativity ignited by a shared resilience. The broken guitar became a symbol, a reminder that even when life throws you curveballs, you can rise from the ashes and create something greater. They decided to incorporate the imperfections of the moment into the song itself, and that bold choice transformed the track into something uniquely powerful.

When “Under My Thumb” was finally released, it became an anthem for many, resonating with listeners everywhere. The story of the “cursed” guitar was woven into the folklore of the band, serving as a lesson that even setbacks can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Mick’s determination not only salvaged the song but inspired countless musicians who faced their own challenges. He showed them that in the world of creativity, there are no failures—only opportunities to innovate and grow.

As the years went by, Mick and the Rolling Stones continued to conquer the music world, their legacy expanding with every new album and tour. The legend of the broken guitar only added to their mystique, reminding fans and newcomers alike that the heart of rock and roll was built on resilience and passion. For Mick, that moment in the studio was a turning point, igniting a fire within him that would burn brightly throughout his career. No matter what obstacles they faced, he knew that music had the power to heal, inspire, and change the world.

In the end, what was once feared as a curse became a testament to creativity’s unpredictability. The broken guitar, forever etched in the history of “Under My Thumb,” served as a reminder to Mick and to all those who heard the song: no matter how hard life gets, with a little grit and a lot of heart, you can turn even the most daunting situations into beautiful harmonies.