The Rolling Stones logo is one of the most recognizable rock and roll emblems in the world. This globally recognized symbol is significant not only to music aficionados. It’s also become a significant fashion symbol over the years, with many individuals buying clothing with the Rolling Stones’ emblem without knowing who the band is. The Rolling Stones mouth logo, sometimes known as the lips and tongue logo, is both visually appealing and profoundly symbolic. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the meaning and history of the iconic Rolling Stones logo.
History of the Rolling Stones logo
The tongue logo of the Rolling Stones has become a symbol of wild party animals and rock and roll fans alike. This design, like many other well-known logos, has taken on a life of its own. Today, it may be found all over the world, splashed on everything from t-shirts to automobiles.
Mick Jagger’s wish to pay homage to the Hindu goddess Kali motivated John Pasche to create the first Rolling Stones lips. Kali was the goddess of force and vitality. As a result, the meaning of the Rolling Stones logo is far deeper than many people think.
The black and red emblem perfectly represents not just energy, but also risqué rock lifestyles and guitar riffs.
A vote in 2018 named the emblem the most “classic” t-shirt design in the UK.
The Meaning and Popularity of the Rolling Stones Logo
Unlike many other renowned logos throughout history, the Rolling Stones’ insignia has stayed consistent over time.
Part of this could be attributed to the logo’s deeper meaning. As a brand icon, a portrayal of a Hindu deity is motivating.
Though some believe the lips and tongue emblem were designed to symbolize Jagger’s mouth, the design was actually focused on the goddess Kali’s distinguishing traits, which comprised an outstanding mouth and a pointed tongue protruding out.
Pasche, on the other hand, has stated that the notion to emphasize the mouth was partly inspired by Jagger’s lips, which are his most conspicuous feature.
The Rolling Stones’ insignia, also known as the “Hot Lips” symbol, has remained ageless over the years. Pasche believes this is because the icon is more than just an image; it is a universal statement. Rock and roll are frequently connected with defiance and taking a position.
The act of putting your tongue out is usually considered anti-authority.
Regardless of their opinions about the Rolling Stones, several generations have used this emblem as an opportunity to be brash and disrespectful, wearing it as a mark of their own defiance. The lips and tongue logo provides users with a sensation of power while also raising awareness about the band.
Both Jagger and Pasche enjoyed the design’s sexuality. The Rolling Stones tongue is an emblem of the “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” lifestyle as well as anti-authoritarianism.
The Features Of The Rolling Stones Logo
It’s incredible to imagine that John Pasche only received roughly £50 for inventing the Rolling Stones’ lips. However, the Stones were supposedly so pleased with the image that they handed Pasche an additional £200.
John was also able to work with the band for numerous years.
The original Rolling Stones logo, designed by a student, helped Pasche establish himself as a pioneer in rock and roll design. For his early work, John had numerous customers, including Judas Priest, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, and many others.
Pasche also sold the original logo draft artwork to the London Museum for roughly $92,500.
Rolling Stones Logo Design
The Rolling Stones lips and tongue logo is unmistakable. This great graphic portrays not only the Hindu goddess Kali but also the sexuality of Rock and Roll and its anti-authority position.
The shape has stayed consistent over time, distinguishing it from other rock emblems as one of the most identifiable pictures in the musical world.
Color of the Rolling Stones Logo
The color of the Rolling Stones logo is one of the few things that designers throughout the world have experimented with. Today, you can find this sign in practically any color.
The official Rolling Stones logo, on the other hand, will always remain a combination of fiery chili-pepper red, white, and black. The red tongue represents passion, excitement, and energy.
Font for the Rolling Stones logo
The “hot lips” graphic is central to the Rolling Stones’ logo. This logo design does not have a specific typeface. However, many designers who use this image on bags, ties, and other items have added their own font choices over the years.
What is the Name of the Rolling Stones’ Tongue?
The Rolling Stones logo has no specific name. Many people refer to this emblem as the lips and tongue logo or the hot lips logo, although it is simply the Rolling Stones’ logo.
If you’re still curious about the Rolling Stones’ logo, here are some solutions to your questions…
What Does the Tongue Sign Represent?
As previously stated, the Rolling Stones’ tongue pays respect to the Hindu goddess Kali. The goddess of energy and empowerment is also a feminine icon.
Many people identify this image with the Rolling Stones because of Mick Jagger’s famous mouth. The tongue can also serve as a sexual emblem or an anti-authoritarian symbol.
What is the Origin of the Rolling Stones’ Logo?
Early in the 1970s, the Rolling Stones’ management approached the College of Art in London, where John Pasche was a student. The band needed someone to design a flyer for their upcoming European tour.
After witnessing John’s work, the Stones commissioned Pasche to design their logo.
Is the Logo of the Rolling Stones a Fashion Symbol?
Today, the Rolling Stones logo is more than just a symbol of rock and roll. Many people wear this insignia to express their anti-establishment sentiments. The emblem is well-known throughout the world, particularly among younger generations.
The Story Behind the Rolling Stones Logo
The Rolling Stones have one of the most recognizable careers and most controversial band logos in music history. It’s easy to spot with its cherry-red lips and tongue peeping between the logo’s fangs. In 2020, the logo will celebrate its 50th birthday, while the band will celebrate its 60th year of music.
The “tongue and lips,” often known as the Hot Lips insignia, transcended music beyond the Stones’ fans. It is now a standard printed on everything from mugs to t-shirts, so even non-fans may enjoy it.
But where did the logo originate? Why did the Rolling Stones choose this one in particular?
The Rolling Stones Meet Jon Pasche
The Rolling Stones’ executive office contacted the Royal College of Art in London to inquire about hiring someone to design a poster for their 1970 European tour. A master’s student named John Pasche was suggested by the school. Pasche visited with Mick Jagger and presented several designs, but Jagger was unsatisfied. Fortunately, a second poster version sealed the deal between Pasche and the Rolling Stones. Pasche designed a poster with the 1930s and 1940s look featuring a Concorde turbojet.
The Stones approached Pasche again later that year. Jo Bergman, the band’s personal helper, this time. Pasche was commissioned by Bergman to “design a logo or symbol that can be used on note paper, as a program cover, and as a cover for the press book.”
Making More Than “Just a Logo” as “Just an Art Student”
Pasche and Jagger reconvened to talk on the logo. Pasche said that Jagger desired “a picture that could stand alone… like the Shell Petroleum emblem.” He desired that type of simplicity.” During the encounter, Jagger showed Pasche an artwork of the Hindu deity Kali that he had seen in a shop near his house.
Pasche noted that Jagger was more interested in the Indian cultural aspect of it because it was popular in Britain at the time. Pasche, on the other hand, was struck by the diety’s protruding tongue. Contrary to popular perception, Jagger’s tongue and lips are not his.
Pasche wanted the logo to be a symbol of dissent, hence the first proof was in black and white. “It’s what kids do when they stick their tongue out at you.” That was the primary reason I thought it would work,” he explained.
Over 50 Years of Power
Even now, the Stones have made a fortune thanks to the logo. The logo is said to have brought in hundreds of millions of pounds. Pasche received £50, which is approximately $970 today. He also received a £200 bonus.
Pasche drafted a contract in 1976 to get 10% of net income sales from the job. He earned a few thousand pounds from royalties, but he surrendered his rights to the band for £26,000 in 1982.
The Rolling Stones Brand Overview
What comes to mind when you hear the term “rock and roll”? What band dynamic or stage presence springs to mind? The Rolling Stones are almost certainly mentioned in these discussions. Despite many feuds, the band’s ongoing influence is clear and spans dozens of record releases. Not to mention Mick Jagger’s fiery stage persona.
And the band, with all of its individuality and inventiveness, was renamed The Rolling Stones.
Blue Beginnings
The Rolling Stones have gone through multiple lineup changes over the course of their six-decade career, but the band’s origins can be traced back to a village in southeast England. Jagger and Keith Richards were childhood pals and classmates in Dartford, Kent, in 1950. They formed a garage band with Dick Taylor, Alan Etherington, and Bob Beckwith a few years into their friendship. The gang dubbed itself the Blues Boys after practicing blues tunes in Taylor’s garage.
The Blues Boys began by covering songs by Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddley, and other blues and early rock musicians.
After working with Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated, Jagger and Richards put together the initial Stones lineup. Taylor was joined onstage by slide guitarist Brian Jones, organist Ian Stewart, drummer Tony Chapman, and others. This band was founded on a repertoire of Chicago blues music, and they grew their fan base from there.
Finding Their Voice and a Name
The Rolling Stones may have fought over how to make band choices, drug and alcohol use, and a variety of other issues concerning the band’s well-being, but the group’s name seemed to come and go without debate.
According to Richards, Jones named the band. When a journalist inquired about the name of the band during a phone interview with Jazz News, Jones looked around and saw a Muddy Waters record. “Rollin’ Stone” was one of the album’s songs, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Early performances were under the moniker The Rolling Stones, but the name was swiftly changed to accommodate the missing “g” in the mid-1960s. The name stayed, and the Stones’ identity evolved thanks to the legendary Jagger-Richards songwriting partnership. The legendary lineup included Jagger, Richards, Jones, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts at the time. Mick Taylor, Ron Wood, and Darryl Jones joined later.
The group’s genre, style, and impact were always shifting. As a result, the band’s original work, such as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Get Off of My Cloud,” and “Paint It Black,” ended up immortalizing the band’s legacy, making it bigger than the band members themselves.
Legacy
Today, rock ‘n’ roll would be incomplete without The Rolling Stones. They began as counterculture stars in the 1960s and evolved into sound legends with each successive musical change. The Stones have three Grammys and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and are widely regarded as one of the best bands of all time.
Who Designed the Rolling Stones ‘Lips and Tongue Logo?
For years, Rolling Stones fans and graphic design experts have argued about this complicated genesis story. To varying degrees, three distinct people have claimed credit, and each has its own camp of supporters. Surprisingly, all three people are still alive. Even more intriguing, none of them argue about it.
So, is there something to debate? At least three separate tales either do not match up or blatantly contradict one other, and it appears that no one can get these people in the same room. You’d think a famous journal (say, the New York Times) would figure it out, yet a typical piece only presents one side of the issue.
Let’s take a deeper look at the individuals involved and what they may (or may not) have contributed to the history of rock ‘n’ design.
John Pasche
Our origins begin in England, about 1969, with the person most often credited with creating the renowned emblem, British graphic designer John Pasche. Pasche was only twenty-four years old and had little design experience when Mick Jagger came knocking to the Royal College of Art in London. However, Jagger noticed something in his work.
The band began making their new album, and Jagger was in charge of selecting the visual components that would accompany their song (and why some people credit him with the concept).
Pasche was initially charged with creating a new poster for the Stones’ current European tour. After Jagger was satisfied with that work, he assigned Pasche the task of developing what he was informed would be a letterhead or cover page graphic- but which quickly became the official emblem of the Rolling Stones record company and has appeared on every release since.
Did anyone keep the original Rolling Stones logo sketch?
Pasche claims to have lost his initial sketch and regrets not retaining it. “I must have thrown them away,” he admitted. Pasche’s design was officially licensed in 1970, but the public didn’t see it until April of 1971 when it appeared on the inside sleeve of the Sticky Fingers album—and it’s unclear when that artwork was submitted for the album.
The two-color separation (above) was the first version Pasche kept, and he’s stated repeatedly that the design only took a week to complete (which is why he only charged the band £50 for the work). This begs the question at the heart of the debate: did he write it that year, as it is copyrighted, or in early 1971, prior to the album’s release?
According to the man who designed the album packaging, Pasche’s logo was not completed in time, making his version the official one.
Craig Braun
Craig Braun was the owner and creative director of Sound Packaging Corp, and he was widely regarded as one of the most innovative record cover designers of the 1960s and 1970s. He’d been hired for the soon-to-be-famous Sticky Fingers record, and he and Andy Warhol were working on a cover and box design that would soon become a classic in its own right.
Andy Warhol offered an idea to Mick Jagger at a party in 1969 that resulted in suggestive photographs and the functioning zipper. VH1 ranked it the finest album cover of all time in 2003. On the inside sleeve, the Stones’ distinctive logo was printed huge and in bold red—a version that Braun “created” from Pasche’s vision. Which he calls the “official” version.
According to Braun, Pasche was working with Mick in London, but he required the logo for the album release and had a deadline in New York. Again, it’s unclear when this occurred (most likely late 1970 or early 1971), but Pasche’s design was still unfinished, according to him:
Regardless of whatever logo was used, the album was a big hit, spending weeks at the top of the Billboard charts, with rock fans begging for a copy, thanks in large part to the unique design. With its introduction came a slew of goods, including pins, necklaces, keychains, and, of course, those immensely famous T-shirts.
Ernie Cefalu
Ernie Cefalu is a renowned graphic designer and a veteran of the golden age of album cover art, with multiple honors to his name and a lengthy list of prestigious clients. And he has his own narrative about how the world-famous logo came to be.
Cefalu claims to be the “original designer of the lips and tongue,” which he designed in early 1971.
His story is less clear, and it is primarily told by Cefalu himself. As a result, many strive to minimize (or denigrate) his contribution in debates over who deserves credit. However, Cefalu appears to have some legitimate claims to renown. According to his Wikipedia entry, he is “credited with being one among the persons who designed The Rolling Stones emblem.”
What’s the backstory on Ernie Cefalu?
According to Cefalu, the Rolling Stones logo was created during his first meeting with Craig Braun for a job as Creative Director at Sound Packaging’s uptown Manhattan offices. He’d gotten a lot of attention for his cool designs for the albums Dolls Alive on International Paper Company and Jesus Christ Superstar on Decca Records.
Craig Braun (who he described at the time as “excellent handsome, tall, skinny, had rock star hair, wonderful amber-tinted glasses, and dressed in a denim pants suit”) asked Cefalu if he could design the Rolling Stones’ emblem on the spot:
When Braun states “this label,” he’s referring to the Dolls Alive artwork, which supports Cefalu’s claim of ownership because the Dolls Alive record label included disembodied cartoon lips.
That album came out in 1969.
Is Ernie’s original sketch available?
He is correct. Or at least he did. It was only on one website, but it makes sense in the context of his story. He was requested to add a tongue to a set of lips he had already made. “It took me about 40 minutes once upstairs to do a felt marker sketch complete with lips and a tongue, and I even added some teeth since it simply didn’t look right without them.”
“Craig got up and instantly grabbed the sketch, stating “that’s exactly what I was seeing and I truly think – no, I am positive – that I can sell it to Marshall [Chess],” Cefalu says.
Following this, he mentions someone bringing out a bag of marijuana, and he soon found himself high with Braun and the other employees at the workplace (no wonder all these stories are so murky). He continues indefinitely. Then he continues:
“Tony [the manager] delivered the joint to him [Braun].” He took a hit, then approached me, put one hand on my shoulder, handed me the joint, and said, “Well, my good fellow, you have earned a position with us.” And, by the way, you just designed the new Rolling Stones logo! “The gathering erupted in applause, and congratulations were distributed all around.”
Merchandise bearing the early Rolling Stones logo
To complicate matters, Cefalu and Braun were granted a license to profit from items based on Cefalu’s design, which became known as the “Licks” version. For a few years, the Rolling Stones’ “Lips and Tongue” logo was created and sold under the guise of “Rockcreations,” a firm Braun founded just for that purpose.
Was the Rolling Stones’ logo plagiarized?
While the Stones were touring the United States and recording Sticky Fingers in 1969, another famous British rock band called The Beatles produced one of their numerous hit songs, Abbey Road. At the same time, a book titled “The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics” was released, with pictures by Alan Aldrige.
The logo for the Rolling Stones’ 50th anniversary
Even better evidence of the legendary logo’s longevity is that when they commissioned influential designer Shepard Fairy to redesign it for their 50th anniversary, he didn’t change a thing. Surprisingly, his only contribution was typography, in the form of incorporating the digits 5 and 0 into the band name. He stated that he thought it would be preferable to leave well enough alone.
The “Lips and Tongue” Effect
The Rolling Stones were influential in so many ways that it’s difficult to say how much of that was due to the logo. It was a mutually beneficial relationship between the music, personality, dress, and iconography they built along the road. They embodied the rebellious rock ‘n’ roll spirit during a period of huge cultural revolutions and continue to do so.
Facts About The Rolling Stones
Let’s look at some fascinating facts about the Rolling Stones.
#1. When Mick Jagger and Keith Richards first met
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the band’s founding members, met for the first time when they were barely 5 years old. They first met in Wentworth Primary School, but they were not friends at the time.
#2. Mick Jagger was a fan of ballad dance.
Did you know that The Rolling Stones lead singer, Mick Jagger, is also an accomplished ballet dancer? Well, now you know
#3. The Rolling Stones did not perform their first song live!
The Rolling Stones refused to perform their first song live after it was released. It’s speculated that this is because they didn’t enjoy their first song or because they wanted people to buy the music in order to hear it. mmm. Maybe they weren’t ready, or they had a fight, or they wanted more music to play, or one of them had diarrhea.
#4. The Beatles are on tour with The Rolling Stones.
Members of The Rolling Stones were good friends with The Beatles, contrary to popular belief. Labeling The Rolling Stones as anti-British and bad lads was a marketing ploy. Are you joking with us? I’m not rolling with you!
#5. Bill Wyman, the bassist, ordered everything like a librarian.
Bill Wyman, the original Rolling Stones bassist, once remarked that he thought he was born to be a librarian. This is due to the fact that he used to classify everything. He even kept track of how many ladies he had slept with while on the road! That is a valuable skill, I must say!
#6. Penis on stage
As unbelievable as it may appear, the band performed with a penis during the “Tour of the Americas’75.” It was a massive inflatable penis. It was also known as “Tired Grandfather.”
#7. Charlie Watts’ secret marriage
In 1964, Charlie Watts secretly married Shirley Ann Shepherd. Charlie Watt kept his marriage information hidden from The Rolling Stones because they thought he should say single. But it ultimately came to light.
#8. Keith Richards slept with his guitar in his bed.
Although it is a well-known truth that members of rock bands sleep with their instruments, it became a reality with The Rolling Stones band. Keith Richards was discovered sleeping with his guitar during the recording sessions for 1973’s “Goat Head Soup.”
#9. Crashers at a Party
Members of the Rolling Stones were not invited to the premiere of the Beatles’ record “A Hard Days Night.” As a result, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, and Keith Richards showed up for the Beatles’ party.
#10. A successful donation
When The Rolling Stones’ manager Andrew Loog Oldham met John Lennon and Paul McCartney, he asked them to donate a song. They both wrote and donated the song “I Wanna Be Your Man,” which became The Rolling Stones band’s 1963 hit.
#11. The biggest rock concert ever
When it comes to The Rolling Stones, we know it’s going to be massive. So it’s no wonder that when the band performed at Copacabana Beach in 2006, 1.5 million fans attended, marking it the largest rock concert ever.
#12. Bill Wyman’s retirement strategy
Do you know what The Rolling Stones’ former bassist Bill Wyman is doing now that he has left the band? He is genuinely pursuing his different hobbies, one of which is metal detecting.
#13. The Rolling Stones advertised ‘Tequila Sunrise.’
The Rolling Stones tried Tequila Sunrise for the first time while attending a private party in California. They liked the drink so much that they ordered it during gigs during their travels. They even taught bartenders how to make this drink, making it popular.
#14. The song “Gimme Shelter” had been used in four films.
Martin Scorsese adored the song “Gimme Shelter,” and it appeared in four of his films. Martin had somewhere to stay, right?
How Much Did The Rolling Stones Logo Cost?
The Rolling Stones logo was reported to have cost Jon Pasche as little as £50 (about $77).
How has the Rolling Stones logo helped to establish the band’s legacy and impact in the music industry?
The Rolling Stones logo has helped to establish the band’s legacy and impact in the music industry by serving as a symbol of the band’s distinctive style, image, and brand. The logo has appeared on merchandise, album covers, and marketing materials, solidifying the band’s image and promoting its music and brand.
What should I do if I see someone using the Rolling Stones logo improperly?
If you see someone using the Rolling Stones logo improperly, you can report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the band’s management or legal representatives. Misuse of the logo can damage the band’s brand and reputation, and it’s important to take action to protect its image.
Can I use the Rolling Stones logo for personal projects?
No, you cannot use the Rolling Stones logo for personal projects without permission from the band or their representatives. The Rolling Stones logo is a trademarked and protected design, and using it without permission is illegal and can result in consequences.
How does the Rolling Stones logo represent the band’s musical style and image?
The Rolling Stones logo represents the band’s musical style and image through its bold, stylized design and use of the band’s name. The logo captures the band’s rebellious and edgy image and serves as a visual representation of the band’s distinctive sound and style.
Can I use the Rolling Stones logo for personal projects?
No, you cannot use the Rolling Stones logo for personal projects without permission from the band or their representatives. The Rolling Stones logo is a trademarked and protected design, and using it without permission is illegal and can result in consequences.
In Conclusion
The Rolling Stones’ renowned lips and tongue logo is still one of the most instantly recognizable emblems in the world today. This design is only a small part of what has made the Rolling Stones one of the most successful rock bands of all time.
The Stones have amassed enormous fame and fortune over the years, and their logo has nearly taken on a life of its own. Today, this amazing image is an international symbol of freedom, daring, and empowerment, not merely a mark of one of the world’s most famous corporations.
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