The Stones Vinyl Used As A Shield In A Bar Fight — And Still Playable

April 2, 2025

It was a rainy Saturday night in 1970 when I found myself in the dimly lit back room of The Blue Note, a small bar tucked away in the heart of Chicago. The smell of spilled beer and the sound of a blues band warmed the air, making it feel like home. I was there because of my love for music, a passion that was sparked by the legendary Rolling Stones. Their vinyl records always had a way of bringing me joy, but on this night, that love would take an unexpected turn.

As the band played, the room buzzed with energy, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. But just as I was starting to lose myself in the rhythm, I noticed a tense situation brewing at the bar. Two men were arguing loudly, their faces flushed with anger, and I could feel the tension radiating through the crowd. I had seen my fair share of bar fights, but nothing could prepare me for what happened next. Suddenly, fists were flying, and chaos erupted. People scrambled for cover, and in the midst of it all, I grabbed my prized possession—a Rolling Stones vinyl record—just as one of the fighters lunged toward me.

In a split second, I used the album as a shield. I pressed it against my chest, feeling the glossy surface of the “Let It Bleed” cover against my skin. I could practically hear Mick Jagger’s voice echoing in my mind, urging me to stay strong. Miraculously, the vinyl held up, absorbing the blow and keeping me safe. It was an absurd situation, using music to protect myself, yet in that moment, it felt powerful. The fight raged on around me, but I stood there, clutching that vinyl—a symbol of resilience and hope.

When the dust finally settled, and the bar staff had escorted the troublemakers out, the band played on, but my heart was racing in a different way. I was alive, and my connection to music had just deepened. The night turned into a story I would tell for years, a reminder of how passionate music could unite and protect—even in the most unexpected circumstances. That vinyl, which had survived the chaos, became my talisman. I cherished it not just for the music it held, but for the bond it represented between me and the artists who poured their hearts into every song.

As the years passed, the Rolling Stones continued to create music that inspired generations. Their journey was not always smooth, filled with ups and downs, but they never lost their spirit. They taught us all to embrace life’s struggles and to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things got. In many ways, that night at The Blue Note mirrored their resilience. Just as they transformed challenges into songs that resonated with millions, I learned to embrace my own experiences and find the beauty in them.

Today, when I see the Stones live or hear their music on the radio, I think back to that night. I still have that vinyl, a little scratched but still spinning, just like my love for music. It reminds me to face life’s challenges with courage and creativity. In a world filled with chaos, it was a simple piece of art—something made for joy—that became my shield and lit a fire in my heart, inspiring me to live boldly, just as the Stones did throughout their remarkable career.