Hans Remembers 50 years ago today- The founder of The Rolling Stones Brian Jones was found dead in the swimming pool at his home in Hartfield, East Sussex. Jones a month earlier had quit or was kicked out of The Rolling Stones. His death couldn’t have been a shock to those who were around him- his behavior had become more and more erratic over the years. The coroner ruled his death as ‘death by misadventure.” Also it was discovered that his heart liver and heart were heavily enlarged due to drug and alcohol abuse. The Rolling Stones two days later performed at Hyde Park and dedicated the concert to Jones. Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman were the only members of The Rolling Stones to attend his funeral.
The long time bassist for The Rolling Stones summed up Brian Jones the best when he said “He formed the band. He chose the members. He named the band. He chose the music we played. He got us gigs. … he was very influential, very important, and then slowly lost it – highly intelligent – and just kind of wasted it and blew it all away.”
Over the years it certainly seems that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have kind of made an effort to reduce Brian Jones from the history of the band- playing up the post- Jones era but Jones until the late 60’s certainly added a lot to the band that has been missing since. He could play a variety of instruments which were featured on Stones songs- the sitar, dulcimer, mellotron, marimba, wind instruments, recorder, harmonica, and wind instruments.
Brian Jones death would be followed in quick succession by the deaths of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison- all of them were also 27 years old-bringing up the concept of the ’27 Club.”
Jones home- where he died -Cotchford Farm was a 16th century estate where author A.A. Milne wrote his Winnie The Pooh stories.
slicethelife 
Those dicks should have shown some respect and at least attended the funeral. Jagger and Richards would have spent their lives working in a factory if it weren’t for Brian Jones.
I agree that behavior is hard to believe. I do know Mick was on a plane to Australia.. Keith was probably looking for his next batch of drugs at that point in time.
So tragic to lose Brian (and the other 27s) so soon. I can only guess that Jagger and Richards didn’t attend because they were too broken up by Brian’s death to want to be seen in public. Oh the strange contradiction in Brian dying where Winnie the Pooh & Crew were born.
Mick was heading for Australia to make a movie.. Keith who knows?
He was probably on his own bender….
No doubt Mick & Keith both regret not going…they both owe a huge debt to Brian Jones
People sometimes do stupid things no question. Brian was the one who got the stones rolling and as time goes on that seems to be forgotten.
Think that was forgotten a long time ago
And, Blind Owl Wilson…also 27…also 1970.
Mick & Keith’s biggest problems are Mick & Keith.
There is a film out this year called, “The Quiet One”, while its mostly a tribute to Bill Wyman it also shows some previously unseen footage and photographs of Brian Jones. Bill supported
I haven’t heard of that film- will have to look for it! Thanks for the heads up!
We meant to say how much Bill supported Brain but hit the send button accidently. Thus you get a two part comment.