The Rolling Stones Signed Contract Page with Band Photo (1965).... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

CONTRACT PAGE SIGNED BY THE ROLLING STONES LINEUP AND MANAGER ANDREW LOOG OLDHAM

The Rolling Stones Signed Contract Page with Band Photo (1965). (1) Vintage original Decca Records recording contract page (numbered page 11) measuring 8.5" x 11", signed by all five members of the Rolling Stones in black ballpoint: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts, together with their manager at the time, Andrew Loog Oldham. This incredibly rare document page originates from the collection of David Goldberg, a trademark/copyright attorney who worked with the band, as well as London/Decca. What makes this contract page particularly rare and important is the additional signature of Oldham (a protégé of Brian Epstein), the man credited with shaping the Stones' image and sound that led to their worldwide success in the mid-1960s. The page therefore represents a new chapter in the Stones business affairs, one that would set the band on a new financial path that would be much debated over the following years. Also includes a black and white photo of the band taken at the closing party on July 29th 1965, when the contract was signed, measuring 8" x 9.75". Together with a letter of provenance from David Goldberg's daughter, dated September 23, 2018. Provenance: Heritage Auctions, November 14, 2020, Lot 89420. Contract exhibits staple holes to the upper left corner and small nicks or tears to the paper edges, photo is unframed and exhibits toning along the top edge, edge wear, verso with tape to paper border. Comes with a full LOA from Beckett Authentication Services.

More Information: The summer of 1965 saw the Rolling Stones peaking on the charts with smash hit "(I can't get no) Satisfaction," the band's first number one in the United States. They toured the globe constantly throughout the year and commercial success followed.

In his book Rolling with the Stones, Bill Wyman wrote, "On Thursday 29 July, 1965, we went to Decca with Andrew and Allen in order to sign a new recording contract in Decca's boardroom." He also noted that the deal began on July 30, 1965, the same day the photograph is dated. One would suspect the photo was actually taken on the 29th but dated the 30th as that was the day the contract officially began.

This contract page represents a monumental sea change in the Rolling Stones' business affairs. It would last into the early 70s and would ultimately lead to the band exiling in the south of France to record their monumental album Exile on Main St.


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