The Rolling Stones - Brown Sugar (Top of the Pops 1971)

The Rolling Stones perform 'Brown Sugar' live on Top of the Pops in March 1971.

[@benoitfroger5652]

Clearly, everyone is blown away by Mick's vocals. Impeccable. His stage presence is second to none. His moves are perfection. This is EPIC.

[@claudeheinrich3613]

i listen to this probably 10 times a day

[@numbat0072]

Live vocals but the backing music was from the recording . Interesting that the saxophonist wasn't on the stage , I guess there wasn't enough room after mick & kieths huge egos . Great stuff tho !

[@rainblaze.]

now THAT ladies and gentlemen IS Rock'n'roll.

[@lordburlap4514]

At this moment, The Stones were THE BEST ROCK BAND IN THE WORLD!!!!!!

[@andrew80s]

Agreed, very easily.

[@RiefWestCoast]

Mick’s vocals are incredible in this version!!!

[@crumdoggy]

Better than original!

[@billreid818]

In the old days, the music union laws forbade lip-syncing and miming... but the bands got around the laws... they often played along to a prerecorded track ( this was usually just the record with the vocals dropped out of the mix... ) then singing live... also they would sometimes drop one instrument, usually the bass or rhythm guitar, and then perform the part live for television... This is the original recording, with the band miming and Jagger singing live in the studio.

[@malegrissusran8847]

Today impossible !! The GOOD TIMES are over !!

[@francesmccall4924]

He was raw and into it wildly then "Hawgh blimey"

[@lolsugar7408]

It's great. This is the studio backing track with a totally live vocal from Mick Jagger. The vocals crystal clear, diction spot on, you can make out every word. Actually quite a nice mix. Good visuals too with the rest of the band doing a passable job at miming.

[@JeffRebornNow]

If you look at the Stones' early 1980s videos you see that Mick has no ability to lip sync. That's because he'd never done it. When they filmed all of their 70s videos he was singing live to a backing track. Angie: live singing. It's Only Rock 'n' Roll: live singing, etc.

[@LoveBandit1000]

Was the sax live or memorex?

[@777jones]

@@LoveBandit1000 all the tracks are from the album except Mick’s vocal.

[@HerbWalker]

@@777jones Sax sounded 'Live"

[@NoName-tn1ut]

The Drum mim is good

[@paulminorproductions]

What a raw vocal performance, just tremendous.

[@kaveman1021]

A better vocal than the studio version.

[@TheNeutralViewFromSwedenAKAHer]

A-game from Jagger

[@sunnyday751]

Absolutely killer vocal

[@jacobmassey3897]

@@kaveman1021 it's quite interesting how often that seems to be the case with singers. Sometimes the studio recording just can't do a song justice as good as a live performance can. I'm aware that the music in this performance is prerecorded but Micks vocals sound a lot grittier here than on the studio version and that is probably the sound he would've preferred according to an interview I saw him do where he said he wasn't completely happy with his performance on this song when the final studio mix came out.

[@gymnastix]

@@kaveman1021 I agree with you. This alternate take or live version (I have yet to figure out which) of "Brown Sugar" in March 1971 on 'Tops of the Pops' is just terrific! And now, because of capitulation to the Marxist "Black Lives Matter" (BLM) agenda, The Rolling Stones are no longer performing live one of their best, most energetically performed tunes. Things were better when the Stones were equal opportunity offenders and didn't kowtow to political correctness.

[@johngreenhalgh4428]

I remember watching this on Top of the Pops in 1971. A memorable performance from Mick. Been a Stones fan ever since. Rip Charlie Watts he is great on this track.

[@HassanRadwan133]

I also remember watching this on Top of the Pops back in 1971. If I remember rightly the DJ who introduced them (can't remember who it was) said something about Jagger just coming back (from tour? absence? Jail ie drug bust? - I can't remember, but for some reason it stuck in my mind that this was some sort of comeback. I'd love to know if this memory is correct or a mixed up memory if someone could tell me. - btw I was only 12 years old so it is a bit of a blur.)

[@enriquegilmour]

Mick was such a badass that he made goofy dancing look cool.

[@joepublic4082]

What a great comment because of course it's spot on. LOL.

[@KittyGrizGriz]

He is a Stupendous performance artist

[@beverleymt8288]

😂

[@carlisle3469]

Well......

[@54chewbacca]

Best version I have ever heard.

[@flynnlizzy5469]

Just coming here to type the same thing. At first I thought 'lip synch' but Jagger does a few ad libs and its clearly him singing. I don't know about the rest of the band as there are no improvisations when they play this song, I really wish we could get the definitive answer ! The only reason I wonder about it is that I know they've played a lot of gigs where they were being recorded and its been said, many times/places' that Jagger would sing, live, but the rest of the bands playing was pre recorded. Something to do with the microphones/electronics back in the day having a tough time with recording the drums etc.

[@SimonFrank369]

@@flynnlizzy5469 For sure only Mick´s vocals are live (and indeed absolutely great!) here, the instrumental music is complete playback! Just notice at the beginning, the music starts at min 0:09, but Keith starts acting 2 seconds later! And the 2nd guitar riff we hear doesn´t really match to Mick Taylor´s finger movements. And also the drums don´t match perfectly (at min 1:14 Charlie misses the crash cymbal we hear, at min 1:46 you can clearly see the drums covered with cartonage etc.) Still this is one of the best versions IMHO so far!

[@smc9291]

@@SimonFrank369have you got nothing else to do?

[@frankmarsh1159]

@@smc9291 It's pretty obvious for people into music.

[@frankmarsh1159]

@@SimonFrank369 Other than the vocals it's definitely a playback but it's a different mix. Nobody's playing the tamboree and the sax solo is the "exact one" from the original recording... and that ain't Bobby Keys in the video...lol

[@tomcabrera8223]

The clarity of that vocal made me feel my young ears again.

[@jgwire]

i like it better than original- but it could be the freshness of hearing a new take- what a showman

[@maccafan10]

So I take it that you have no rampant hairs growing out of your ears like this here 65 year old ? lol

[@hanno-erdmanntietz8424]

I absolutely agree. For me, it's interesting to notice how long the /u/ in 'sugar' sounds here (like 'shuuga').

[@carloseugeniocarlos4287]

The Stones at the peak of their powers. Fantastic Band.

[@Boblobblaw88]

absolutely the best live vocal I've ever heard from Mick....and great performance too. the guitar mix is different on the ride out as well. also apparently some top of the pops coke. i've never seen this before and it's made my fucking day thank you very much. blimey!

[@flooberbloob]

pre-recorded backing track, live vocal. Musicians union requirements for televised performance. watch Taylor and Keith - neither one play the lick, just both rhythm.

[@viencellprice9532]

How come no one shows their tours

[@James-kj9hw]

Not live

[@miracles4u]

Made your fucking shitty day congrats

[@BTurner.]

The absolute King of Rock. A living legend.

[@jamiecann2485]

Mick is definitely singing live

[@andrewwalker7893]

Not a chance. TOTP made bands record a new unique version to be played on the show, but bands always made to lip synch to that version. Dead giveaway is Charlie’s drum skins. Covered with tampers. London

[@iheartcicada]

@@andrewwalker7893 micks vocals are live because mick fucking jagger wanted to sing live, what’s Top of Pops gonna do? kick the stones off the show?

[@RBLXGaming23]

@@andrewwalker7893 Yes, this is correct. Another dead giveaway is how "perfect" the vocal sounds. A little too good to be live.

[@Mike-gn4un]

@@RBLXGaming23 Mick’s vocal is definitely live over the studio version backing track

[@speedbrknek]

A pity there has never been ‘the next Mick Jagger’, but as you see here the uncanny brilliance just can’t be replicated.

[@benoitfroger5652]

watch Stella Street with Phil Cornwell as Mick Jagger - it is sheer excellence and an all time great comedy!

[@oolongoolong789]

Raw power of The Stones. Can't beat it!

[@javierrojasmusic7517]

This is for me, the official músic video from Brown Sugar .

[@jameswithers4549]

This really encapsulates why the Stones are the greatest rock and roll band of all time..

[@steveclark2662]

Love that "OH blimey" at the end. .. Got to be the greatest rock and roll song ever written .

[@tomgeorgearts]

I think it was a rehearsal for the show - as you can see there is hardly anyone in the studio. As such, it would be daytime and rock musicians usually aren't used to performing (or being awake) that early. Despite that he put everything into it and rather wore himself out!

[@kaveman1021]

With nothing but respect to Brian Jones (and Ronnie Wood)...THIS is the best Stones lineup by far.

[@cactaceous]

The best albums of the Stones career happened when Brian Jones was catatonic and not playing, when Mick Taylor joined and before Ronnie Wood. Before and after they had great singles but not good albums.

[@mikesalyers4914]

Agree

[@crumdoggy]

Agreed!

[@BoynamedMagnus183]

The Ronnie Wood Lineup are better than both of them!

[@kaveman1021]

@@BoynamedMagnus183 you really need to go back and listen to the Taylor era albums.

[@kamranwani8117]

Greatest rhythm guitar in history.

[@diegodelajoya]

Kieth put the lead in rhythm guitar, fact!

[@edgarvandenbos6170]

What a performance. Raw and passionate

[@leoguerra4516]

At the Most

[@davegaskell7680]

No audience, mimed music, the other band members smirking occasionally at his moves, and yet he still puts in a performance like that. What a star!

[@jonathanholloway1915]

Still one of the greatest riffs of all time!

[@anthonymussari8783]

Stationed in Scotland at this time and saw this performance on TOTP. I remember being shocked at the line"....get down on your knees"

[@viencellprice9532]

People who can 🩰 dance can get on their knees and get up and get back down on their knees, have u ever heard of Michael Jackson, watch him on Remember the time, I don't know if the song meant what u r insinuating, but a great song never the less, u just gotta keep your brain clean!!!!!

[@anjelocaesarm.ejercito9548]

The Stones with Mick Taylor, they were Hard Rock and more Guitar Driven. 🎸

[@arielcoca3083]

They were the next step to rock and roll, reinventing it once again ✌🏻😎

[@ftwins2000]

It’s no coincidence that the Best of what the Stones were was with Mick Taylor as their Lead Guitarist

[@josephmay2941]

gfern2 is mistaken.

[@davidparsons3432]

@@ftwins2000 Yes he gave it that jangly blues sound

[@keep_it_tidy56]

Definitive version of a great song.

[@douglassmith7750]

That opening guitar riff has never been duplicated like the brilliant studio version

[@SteveBZ69]

Brilliant song, reminds me so much of my school youth club discos when it first came out. It's still in my repertoire at gigs too.

[@everettnapihaa6111]

Remember the stalone movie 'NightHawks' and the Brown Sugar scene in the nightclub? That was class and I played that a thousand times!!! I'm 2months before 66yrs in April and I love Metal...but not even the best screamers can top this Jagger strut and swagger that far back and in the now! Just plain Rock and what great articulation and awesomeness!!!Honky Tonk Woman goes great w/this when I was 14. Aloha for this timeless Gem of our Rock generation!!!!

[@sgt.pepper1956]

Such a good performance by Mick Jagger! Great singing and dance moves! Makes it look easy!

[@gymnastix]

Absolutely, just a stunningly great performance!

[@ljc3484]

Explains why he’s so slender! Gave himself a great workout every time. I like how at the end he showed that it DID wear him out a little bit. Dogs dogs

[@jameswithers4549]

Even though Mick makes a fool of himself you're with him every step of the way and in turn he becomes the coolest dude on the planet. Brilliant vocal aswell! Love him!!

[@331SVTCobra]

He originated the Elaine Dance.

[@MrLTJX]

I like the way Jagger adds a bit of completely new melody to the song. It's the part where he sings "..get down on the ground Brown Sugar" using a sequence of notes and words not included in the studio version.

[@stephanela572]

the biggest ! .... they were rock, blues, underground, folk at the same time with a unique sound .... they were ahead of the time and they may have influenced all rockers on the planet.

[@The98Dude]

Tape playing but Mick is live ! Awesome. Quintessential Stones song. Best rock ever short of anything written by Chuck Berry

[@friendlier]

Holy crap! Yep, best rock n roll band in the world.

[@jameswithers4549]

When people say Liam Gallagher is the best front man just look at this performance. It is superb showmanship!!

[@eternityjackson3564]

Liam Gallagher himself said that Jagger is the best frontman in history.

[@peterflynn361]

Liam Gallagher. LMBO.

[@marypetrie930]

What people?🤣

[@geoffreycoulson2039]

Unbelievable,pink jacket,pink flaired trousers and he STILL looks " cool"

[@notaclue822]

Yeah i Love all the outfits and the makeup on jagger. He can wear anything.

[@TheMinorFallTheMajorLift]

Pure gold.

[@jaredc422]

Them vocals are crisps

[@stewe4489]

Ma che Spettacolo...menomale che esistono brani che potrai ascoltare all'infinito e saranno sempre emozioni concrete su cui contare...

[@peterhaynes8258]

And their still ROCKIN N ROLLING, GREAT BAND !

[@garyhunt8067]

The best live performance ever on 🔝 Of The Pops

[@lordburlap4514]

Dirty, rough, filthy, and wonderful!!!!!!!!!

[@bravo3279]

RIP to my favorite drummer of all time.

[@gymnastix]

Sad that the Stones continue without Charlie Watts. But that is probably what they even discussed with Charlie, that the band would continue. That said, when either of the remaining two original Stones is gone, that really will be the end of The Rolling Stones. Absolutely no Stones without Mick or Keith, only a solo band with one of them remaining, which we have already seen anyway with The Expensive Winos and Mick's solo band, each promoting their solo LPs. Maybe time for Mick Taylor and/or Bill Wyman to return? I know such would probably never happen, other than guest stints we have already seen,. It is just some wishful thinking. Old age and illness are so cruel, rob us all of greatness, artistically and in our own lives personally. We miss Charlie as we miss our dead friends and relatives who enriched our lives.

[@peterreinholdafuhr9180]

WHAT A SONG AND GREAT DECADE....

[@markfahey3921]

It's a shame this song is no longer in the set list. I never thought the Stones would bow to the pc brigade

[@paulteller8383]

I know, sucks!

[@Rustino44]

Long live Rock & Roll music 🎵🎶

[@danielpawlowicz5961]

Magnificent...!!

[@gnrsgl]

Makes me happy in my ears

[@dondamon4669]

And some people try and say Freddie is greatest frontman ever 😂 not even second. The best voice in rock n roll around these years and best band.

[@iheartcicada]

people are use to the phrase that just because u can play the guitar fast doesn’t mean your the best guitarist, same goes with freddie imo

[@brianjonestownmassacre]

fuck freddie mercury he's not even close to jagger

[@blakemoon123]

Bon Scott is up there. Second only to Mick Jagger.

[@stwheel]

What a band!

[@wifflejoey5938]

A rock classic that would be canceled today

[@lenmil8421]

Not just that one. Sweet Black Angel uses the "N" word. Keep it to yourself though or they'll cancel you for knowing about it.

[@jaredc422]

He sang this to ike and tina before it came out and they thought it was hilarious haha

[@ronaldolaquidara64]

@@lenmil8421 i did not know that?? Must be a demo or outtake?? Or maybe a "Live" version?? Luv it live!!😹😂

[@JohnSmith-su3ze]

@@jaredc422 Yeah of course they did, because everyone used to get along fine before the Woke race baiting epidemic started

[@Joe-to8og]

Was finally cancelled during this 2021 tour.

[@nedd.8479]

The video quality is great.

[@monroeross3579]

If you can sit still while watching this…..go see your doctor….

[@philipskelton4725]

My Sentiments Exactly 💥💥💥💃🎸🎷🎤🎯📣👊🏼

[@jbbumpkin]

Or as one former Radio 1 DJ once said "If that don`t turn you on you ain`t got no switches!"

[@viencellprice9532]

My favorite I can't get no "Satisfaction" they played it in my home town years ago at freedom village, n Mississippi, before people were into Rock music, like they were in the eighties and nineties, those poor white boys sang and we danced, a new Era

[@user-pk1yh1wf2p]

oh yeah,yeah,everything'sgonna be allright this morning and the mornings to come,Rolling Stones forever

[@graysonbillings6400]

my Dad used to say, "while the Beatles were singing "I Wanna Hold Your Hand", the Stones were singing "Street Fighin' Man"!

[@wellsy1954]

5 years apart.

[@evertvdb000]

they weren't

[@wellsy1954]

@@evertvdb000 ?

[@evertvdb000]

@@wellsy1954 u are right

[@wellsy1954]

@@evertvdb000 Thamks

[@mike2462]

The only negative thing about this is it doesn't go on long enough.

[@jewjew51]

Моё детство, обожаю роллингов! Привет из 2023 года!!!

[@ShindlerReal]

Glorious quality!

[@58846786]

チャーリーとキース、物凄いグルーブ！もうこれ以上はない神テイク、史上最高のロックンロール！

[@drstevie]

Brilliant :)

[@JStarStar00]

End: Mick: "Cor blimey!" Keith: "Awwwful." Mick Taylor: Laughs.

[@johnatanquinderamos9397]

Ese bailecito 😂😂😂 ..Mick mick mick...Gracias a Dios que aún estas para entre nosotros los vivos y seguir disfrutando de tu Buena Musica ..Larga vida a Mick 👏👏👏

[@daviddefigueiredo6018]

Wow they were cool!! Cabaret now!

[@rebeccawagner4167]

I love this song 🎵 ❤️ and the Stones. Mick his vocals are definitely incredible. Keith,Mick Taylor, Bill and Charlie you all are blazing hot 🔥. Mick you look so sexy in pink. Ty,for you bad ass music.

[@philipskelton4725]

This Is Live At It's BEST 🎤🎸🎷💃💃💃💃💃🎯📣👊🏼

[@edo805]

“Cor Blimey, Oh Gawd” Taylor is certainly amused by Jagger at the end of the performance

[@bennyrobles9194]

They still together. RIP Charlie.

[@lordburlap4514]

Damn right it’s offensive and damn right it’s an incredible rock song….one of the best.

[@tipple58]

Outstanding!

[@robikarniawan7049]

rock n roll❤

[@anthonybarber1095]

Blew me away was 15

[@holden1954able]

Love them Stones since my youth.

[@naylamp26]

Los stones en su epoca dorada...Jagger que vocales y aptitud.

[@tonymerlino217]

That’s rock & roll and so is that suit cooler than cool🎸

[@alainbruch7912]

Yes vocal is live it's beautiful yeaaaaaaah

[@elliotjones3098]

I love seeing Chalie Watts there in the back, all calm and relaxed, just doing his thing. Awesome band back then

[@pipoceviche7749]

RIP, Charlie.

[@carlosteran5617]

!! Qué Gigantesco es este tema es su crudeza y gloria rock and blues rock 5 stings ñopen G stuff...bloody gourgeous!!!

[@haroldcarlton6428]

Since 1982 my first album! I 've 39 years listening ,,fantastic band! Yes yes !! Wow!

[@shunkoda3560]

今まで見てきた中で一番の高画質だ、、ありがたい、、

[@graysonbillings6400]

that time from Beggar's Banquet to Exile is the greatest run of Rock n Roll. Ever.

[@FantomWireBrian]

I was a little Beatle freak when this came out. I was riding in a friend's car with his parents . I didn't want to like it ,but I did. I thought at 14 . I do like Brown sugar,so what's so bad about the bad boys ❓ Then the parent groups started preaching to us about the song "Let's spend the night together " and then Brown sugar sounded and tasted a lot better 😜❗

[@vickonorven7064]

That time when he sings 'Brown Sugar' and the black piper onscreen, how come it taste good

[@jamesheath7601]

Great song

[@garyhunt8067]

At least he's not miming this classic. 😊

[@lejasiah1099]

Classic. En su mejor momento. Versión extraordinaria de la plenitud de la banda.

[@peadarohuiginn1730]

Wonderful

[@Brentford-rf5sh]

Must admit, not a fan of the Stones, but that was one brilliant performance by Mick and the team. Easy 10/10!

[@tintin7420]

ma jeunesse, une de mes préférées des stones

[@tweedy151]

geat version. As much as I love Keith and could watch him play all day, I always felt (and even there I feel it) he wasn't as nice as he could have been to Mich Taylor.

[@J.UA.N]

En su mejor momento. Versión extraordinaria de la plenitud de la banda.

[@viencellprice9532]

Yep, when I was "young" that was my "JAM" I thought I was Brown Sugar, hahahahaha go Mick

[@josephj.spurgeon5379]

Classic. Classic. Anyone spot claudia winkleman in this clip on bass guitar 🤔 Glorious quality!

[@5InAnotherLand5]

Bill Wyman on bass, the original Stone.

[@paulberry6016]

Play it every chance you can in the name of Freedom 👍

[@thegardener4395]

Proper music.

[@pipoceviche7749]

Rolling stones never die.

[@irenegodfroid3589]

Wow 🎶❤️😍🥰

[@user-fe9qi1ic1r]

Wonderful!

[@chuck571]

Miss you Charlie!!