Little Bands, Continual Product Improvement

In 1989, the band’s drive toward the perfect product was recognized as the Stones themselves were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, and Mick Taylor present at the ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. Pete Townshend of the Who helped induct the Stones, telling them, “Guys, whatever you do, don’t try to grow old gracefully. It wouldn’t suit you.” Jagger responded, “After a lifetime of bad behavior, it’s slightly ironic that tonight you see us on our best behavior.” Best or worst behavior aside, the Rolling Stones have changed the way people look at rock and roll, from the strategy and business savvy that goes into keeping a brand relevant to a culture to how people think of age, how they dress, and what they sing. They’ve forged the way for corporate sponsorships and bands as multimillion dollar corporations. They set the standard for longevity and vitality in the market and for live entertainment value. They represent continual product improvement and quality control. They are masters of fan creation and fan loyalty. They are, in short, the one and only Rolling Stones.

Aerosmith:

/ Reinventing a Rock and Roll Brand All the big bands started as little bands with a vision.

-STEVEN TYLER I t’s the spring of 2001, and DJs around the country are previewing the hottest summer concerts scheduled to visit their respective cities. In the majority of the top markets, an old familiar group is coming to town, selling out venues from Cincinnati to Sin City (Las Vegas, of course). Aerosmith’s Just Push Play tour is going into full bloom.