Under Their Thumb: How a Nice Boy from Brooklyn Got Mixed Up with the Rolling Stones (and Lived to Tell About It)

Bill German's unlikely friendship with the Rolling Stones began when he handed them a copy of his amateur fanzine. He was hired as their official historian and traveled the world with them, staying at their homes. He was privy to their private jams and recording sessions, but maintained his identity as a nice boy from Brooklyn. This updated edition includes new stories and twenty never-before-seen images.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2022
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation

Under Their Thumb: How a Nice Boy from Brooklyn Got Mixed Up with the Rolling Stones (and Lived to Tell About It) is a captivating memoir that delves into the unlikely friendship between Bill German and the iconic Rolling Stones. The story begins when German, a seventeen-year-old aspiring journalist, encountered the band on the streets of New York. Impressed by his passion and dedication, the Rolling Stones took him under their wing, appointing him as their official historian.

German's fanzine, which he had self-published, caught their attention, and they transformed it into their official newsletter. They even included an advertisement for it in one of their albums. As a result, German embarked on a world tour alongside the Rolling Stones, staying at their homes and experiencing their lives firsthand. He witnessed their private jams, recording sessions, and parties, as well as their personal struggles and in-fights.

Despite his close proximity to the band, German maintained his humble and down-to-earth demeanor, never losing sight of his roots. He was privy to the inner workings of the Rolling Stones, but he remained respectful and discreet. Keith, the band's lead singer, once remarked that people typically leave the Stones in either a casket or handcuffs, but German was one of the few to depart from their orbit on his own terms.

This updated edition of Under Their Thumb includes new stories and insights into German's relationship with the Rolling Stones, as well as twenty never-before-seen images that provide a glimpse into the band's world. The book is a testament to the power of friendship, passion, and dedication, and it offers a unique perspective on the iconic band and the people who have been a part of their journey.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493065080