Controversial Rolling Stones Documentary Now Online

Back in 1972, the Rolling Stones worked with photographer Robert Frank on a behind-the-scenes documentary about the band and their hedonistic life on the road. The film carried the same name as a song Mick and Keef wrote as a middle finger to their record label, which was demanding one last single to fulfill a contract. "Cocksucker Blues" was refused by the record label, resurfacing about ten years later, and the film was banned by - of all people - the Stones. Certainly, a movie called Cocksucker Blues would have a hard time getting into too many theaters, but that's not why Jagger and company issued the ban. As you might expect, there's some pretty revealing stuff in the documentary, including nude groupies, various antics you can probably come up with yourself, and Mick doing some coke backstage before a show. Frank, as director, challenged the ban, so the Stones eventually had a court order issued to keep it under wraps unless Frank was actually present at a screening. Well, welcome to the internet age. One of the bootlegs of Blues has appeared online at Wat.tv, although I can't get the first part to play. There are nine parts in all, if you're interested. Even as a documentary, its construction is pretty rough. But since it chronicles one of the most influential bands ever, some will find it essential viewing. Here's part two:

Keith Richards once said of Cocksucker Blues, "If anyone in America saw it, we'd never be let in the country again." Maybe then, Keith, but I don't think anyone would be very shocked by it now.