On September 29, 1989, one of the most iconic albums in music history was released - "Steel Wheels" by The Rolling Stones. This was the band's 19th British and 21st American studio album, marking a triumphant return after a seven-year hiatus following the release of "Undercover" in 1983.
The album was recorded in Montserrat and London, with production handled by Chris Kimsey and The Glimmer Twins (a pseudonym for Mick Jagger and Keith Richards). "Steel Wheels" showcased a revitalized and re-energized Rolling Stones, featuring a mix of classic rock, blues, and pop elements.
The lead single, "Mixed Emotions," was a top 10 hit in the United States, Canada, and several European countries. Other notable tracks included "Rock and a Hard Place," "Almost Hear You Sigh," and "Continental Drift," which featured Moroccan musicians recorded by Jagger during his travels in North Africa.
To support the album, The Rolling Stones embarked on the "Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour," which became the highest-grossing tour of 1989. The tour was groundbreaking in terms of staging and production, setting new standards for live performances. It began in August 1989 in Philadelphia and concluded in August 1990 in Prague, encompassing 115 shows across North America, Europe, and Japan.
"Steel Wheels" marked a significant milestone in The Rolling Stones' career, proving that they could still create critically acclaimed and commercially successful music well into their third decade as a band. The album has since been certified double platinum in the United States and remains a fan favorite in the band's extensive catalog.
