Sticky Fingers (tribute band)
Rolling Stones tribute band that evolved into original rock act.
Sticky Fingers began as a Rolling Stones tribute band in the early 1990s, founded by Glen Carroll, who started as the drummer before taking over as lead singer after the band cycled through several vocalists each month. The group became known for its precise re-creations of 1970s Stones concerts, playing three to four nights a week and earning up to $10,000 per show. A 1994 profile in *Entertainment Weekly* noted their commercial success and stagecraft, with Carroll calling the work “business.” In 2012, the band released its first album of original material, *Like a Rolling Stone*, produced by Andy Johns, who had engineered the Stones’ *Exile on Main St.* The sessions included contributions from Stones sidemen such as saxophonist Bobby Keys and backing vocalist Bernard Fowler, and the cover art was designed by John Pasche, creator of the Stones’ tongue-and-lips logo. Critics described the album’s sound as “raw, blues-drenched,” bridging the band’s tribute roots with original songwriting. The 2012 lineup, which also featured guitarist Waddy Wachtel, drummer Kenny Aronoff, and bassist Kenny Aaronson, was called “a rock hall of fame unto itself” by *The Aquarian*. The album was named a Top 10 Album of 2013 by that same publication. In 2008, author Steven Kurutz published *Like a Rolling Stone: The Strange Life of a Tribute Band*, with Carroll on the cover, documenting Sticky Fingers as they followed the Stones’ 2005–2006 tour route. Kurutz defined the band as a tribute act because its members aimed to sound and look like the Rolling Stones. In January 2013, the band appeared as guest judges on WCBS-FM’s “Jukebox Jury: Should There Be A Rock & Roll Retirement Age?” discussing older rock acts still recording.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- New Jersey/Massachusetts, U.S.
- Genre
- Rock, blues rock
- Years Active
- 1990s–present
- Current Members
- Glen Carroll – lead vocals
- Past Members
- Waddy Wachtel – guitar / Kenny Aronoff – drums / Bernard Fowler – backing vocals / Bobby Keys – saxophone (until 2014)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Formed in the early 1990s, Sticky Fingers quickly gained recognition as a Rolling Stones tribute act. A 1994 Entertainment Weekly profile highlighted their commercial success and stagecraft, with Carroll stating: 'This is not about getting our hair cut the way we want to. This is business.' The band toured extensively, playing three to four nights weekly and earning up to $10,000 per show. Author Steven Kurutz featured the band in his 2008 book 'Like a Rolling Stone: The Strange Life of a Tribute Band,' which observed Sticky Fingers as they repeated the path of the Rolling Stones' 2005–2006 tour, playing at different venues. Kurutz defined Sticky Fingers as a tribute band because the musicians not only strived to sound but also look like the Rolling Stones.
In 2012, Sticky Fingers released their debut original album, 'Like a Rolling Stone,' produced by Andy Johns, engineer of the Rolling Stones' 'Exile on Main St.' The sessions featured Stones collaborators including saxophonist Bobby Keys and backing vocalist Bernard Fowler. The cover art was designed by John Pasche, creator of the Rolling Stones' 'Tongue and Lips' logo. The album includes original works in the style of 1960s–1970s classic rock inspired by the sounds of the Rolling Stones, with some songs showing influences of George Thorogood and the Destroyers and 'Bad Reputation' by Joan Jett. The 2012 lineup—featuring Stones alumni and producer Andy Johns—was described as 'a rock hall of fame unto itself' by The Aquarian.
Reader's Guide
Sticky Fingers is significant as one of the few tribute acts to successfully transition to original music while retaining ties to the artists they honored. Their 2012 album 'Like a Rolling Stone' bridged their tribute roots and original songwriting, earning critical praise for its 'raw, blues-drenched sound.' The band's legacy is tied to their unique position: starting as a meticulous Rolling Stones tribute act that achieved commercial success and extensive touring, then evolving into an original project that drew on the same musical lineage. Their debut album was named a 'Top 10 Album' in 2013 by The Aquarian Weekly writers. In January 2013, the band was invited as guest judges on WCBS-FM's 'Jukebox Jury: Should There Be A Rock & Roll Retirement Age?' discussing iconic rock bands like the Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys. The band's personnel included notable session musicians such as Waddy Wachtel, Kenny Aronoff, and Kenny Aaronson, alongside Stones collaborators Bobby Keys and Bernard Fowler. Their story illustrates the blurred lines between tribute and original artistry in rock music.
Did You Know?
- Sticky Fingers was founded by vocalist Glen Carroll, who started as the band's drummer before becoming lead singer after going through several vocalists a month.
- Their debut album 'Like a Rolling Stone' was produced by Andy Johns, who engineered the Rolling Stones' 'Exile on Main St.'
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