Watch The Rolling Stones: Rock And Roll Circus

The Rolling Stones: Rock and Roll Circus is a concert film directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg. It was originally recorded in December 1968 and was intended for television broadcast, but it was shelved and remained unreleased for over 20 years. Finally, in 1996, it was released on home video and quickly became a cult favorite among music fans.

The film features a who's who of late 60s rock stars, including The Rolling Stones themselves, as well as The Who, Jethro Tull, Taj Mahal, Marianne Faithfull, and many others. The concept of the film was to create a circus-like atmosphere where various performers would take the stage and showcase their talents.

The Rolling Stones serve as the ringmasters of the circus, introducing each act and keeping the energy level high. They perform a few of their own songs as well, including "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want," which features a choir and a brass section.

The Who's performance is particularly memorable, featuring a blistering version of "A Quick One While He's Away," complete with Keith Moon's explosive drumming and Pete Townshend's windmilling guitar playing. Taj Mahal brings his brand of soulful blues to the proceedings, while Marianne Faithfull's haunting rendition of "Something Better" is a highlight.

One of the standout performances of the night comes from Jethro Tull, who deliver an electrifying version of "A Song for Jeffrey." Ian Anderson's trademark flute playing and Glenn Cornick's propulsive bass lines are on full display, as is Clive Bunker's dynamic drumming.

Throughout the film, there are also various circus acts and performers, including fire-eaters, acrobats, and a unicyclist. These elements add to the already surreal atmosphere of the film and give it an otherworldly vibe.

The Rolling Stones: Rock and Roll Circus is a must-see for any music fan, particularly those who are fans of 60s rock. It captures a moment in time when creativity and experimentation were at an all-time high, and some of the greatest music of all time was being created. The film is a testament to the power of live performance and the enduring legacy of some of rock's greatest artists.

The Rolling Stones: Rock And Roll Circus is a 1996 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes.