The Rolling Stones, 60 years of "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction"

In 1965, at the heart of a cultural revolution, The Rolling Stones delivered a raw rock manifesto: (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction. Sixty years later, this cry of frustration remains a defining moment in music history — the song that made rock the voice of rebellion.

⚡ A spark born from a dream

According to legend, Keith Richards came up with the riff in his sleep. Waking up in the middle of the night in a Clearwater (Florida) hotel, he recorded a few guitar notes on a cassette before falling back asleep. Played through a Gibson Maestro Fuzz-Tone, that riff became one of the most iconic in rock history — and one of the first to popularize guitar distortion on record.

🎬 Watch below an excerpt from the legendary Ed Sullivan Show (1966), where The Rolling Stones delivered an explosive performance of Satisfaction — a TV moment that helped cement their myth forever.

🎤 A generational revolt

Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song denounces boredom, consumerism, and the emptiness of advertising. Its angry chorus — “I can’t get no satisfaction” — became a generational manifesto. In the summer of 1965, The Stones embodied a youth hungry for truth and authenticity.

💡 Did you know?

The original recording was first deemed “too noisy” for British radio. The Stones insisted it be aired as is — and the gamble paid off. The single hit number one in the U.S., then in the U.K., making the band an international phenomenon.

📻 A worldwide shockwave

Released on June 6, 1965 in the U.S. and on August 20 in the U.K., Satisfaction instantly became a global hit — The Rolling Stones’ first worldwide number one, paving the way for the British Invasion. Its provocative lyrics and Jagger’s sensual tension shattered the polished image of early sixties rock.

Artists like Otis Redding and Devo later covered the song, each revealing new layers of its timeless power — with Redding’s 1966 soul version adding even more fire to the anthem.

🎸 The legacy of an eternal riff

Sixty years later, Satisfaction remains a symbol of rebellion and freedom. Its opening riff is recognized worldwide within seconds. From punk to hard rock, its influence endures — and The Stones still play it live as a timeless declaration of youth.

🖤 The Rolling Stones on MusikMachine

On MusikMachine, the Stones’ spirit roars on through an official selection of T-shirts and patches. Authentic visuals under official license — celebrating Jagger, Richards, and the band’s eternal attitude.

🔥 Check out the latest arrivals on MusikMachine RockShop — where rock is still a matter of passion and style.