The Untold Story of The Rolling Stones Famous Tongue
Unveiling the Iconography of The Rolling Stones
In 1969, The Rolling Stones were already rock legends. Mick Jagger began searching for a visual identity. This identity needed to represent the band’s rebellious attitude.
Jagger’s brother had visited India early on. He introduced Jagger to Indian culture through literature. One image captivated Jagger: the disembodied tongue of the Hindu Goddess Kali.
Kali’s fierce expression and outstretched tongue resonated with Jagger. He saw it as a symbol of defiance, anti-authoritarianism, and power.
The Secret Behind the Tongue and Lips Symbol
In 1970, Mick Jagger sought a logo for the band’s new label. He approached John Pasche, a student at the Royal College of Art, who had previously designed a tour poster for the Rolling Stones. Jagger was fascinated by the image of Kali. Pasche, inspired by this, created the iconic “Tongue and Lips” logo.
The logo was not intended to represent Jagger’s lips, despite the popular belief. It symbolized the band’s raw energy and rebellious spirit. The logo debuted in 1971 on the inner sleeve of “Sticky Fingers,” an album with a daring cover designed by Andy Warhol. Warhol did not create the logo.
Pasche initially received only £50 for his design. He later received royalties, but legal issues led him to sell the copyright to the band in 1982 for £26,000. The logo has undergone minor modifications over the years, but its essence remains unchanged
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