In 1967 Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are released from prison after serving one month of a longer sentence for drug charges
The 1967 drug bust that rocked the Rolling Stones remains a landmark event in the history of rock music, illustrating the tension between cultural change and conservative values
In 1967 Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are released from prison after serving one month of a longer sentence for drug charges
In the summer of 1967, the rock and roll world was shaken when two of its biggest stars, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, were jailed in England on drug charges. This event marked a significant moment in the history of rock music, highlighting the growing tension between the counterculture movement and the establishment.
The saga began on February 12, 1967, when police raided Keith Richards’ home in Redlands, Sussex. The raid followed a tip-off from the tabloid newspaper, News of the World, which had published a series of articles accusing the Rolling Stones of drug use. During the raid, police found various substances, including amphetamines and cannabis. Richards, Jagger, and their friend, art dealer Robert Fraser, were arrested.
The trial took place in June 1967, drawing massive media attention and public interest. On June 29, Mick Jagger was sentenced to three months in prison for possession of amphetamines, while Keith Richards received a one-year sentence for allowing his premises to be used for drug-taking. Their friend, Robert Fraser, also received a six-month sentence for possession of heroin.
The sentences were widely viewed as harsh, reflecting the establishment’s attempt to crack down on the burgeoning drug culture associated with rock and roll. The public and media reaction was mixed, with some seeing the musicians as victims of their celebrity status, while others viewed the sentences as justified.
The severity of the sentences sparked a significant public outcry. An editorial in The Times, famously titled “Who Breaks a Butterfly on a Wheel?” criticized the harsh punishment and questioned the fairness of the legal system. This editorial played a pivotal role in swaying public opinion in favor of Jagger and Richards.
The outpouring of support had a profound impact. On July 31, 1967, after serving just one month of their sentences, Jagger and Richards were released on appeal. Their release was celebrated by fans and marked a turning point in the perception of the Rolling Stones as symbols of the rebellious spirit of the 1960s.
The 1967 drug bust, and subsequent imprisonment of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards had lasting effects on both the Rolling Stones and the broader cultural landscape. The incident underscored the growing conflict between the counterculture and the authorities, symbolizing the generational divide of the era.
For the Rolling Stones, the ordeal solidified their image as rock and roll outlaws. Their music and persona increasingly reflected themes of rebellion and defiance, further endearing them to a generation of young people seeking to break free from societal norms.
The incident at Redlands became a defining moment in the Rolling Stones storied career and remains a landmark event in the history of rock music, illustrating the tension between cultural change and conservative values. It marked the Rolling Stones not just as musicians, but as cultural icons who helped shape the rebellious spirit of the 1960s.
Watch a clip from Mick Jagger’s press conference in London after being released from prison, 1967
Also watch the music video for the 1967 song “We Love You” inspired by the Stones ‘drug bust
Watch more Rolling Stones related videos
Images and photographs can be from different ranges of sources such as Pinterest, Tumblr etc. except when/where noted. If you are the copyright holder and would like them removed or credited, please get in touch.
