Rolling Stones: Beginnings / Timeline / Present
Rolling Stones … from the start:
Leavell first began working with the Rolling Stones in 1982 when promoter Bill Graham suggested him to the group as they prepared for their Tattoo You summer tour in Europe. Leavell subsequently performed on the Stones’ Undercover (1983) and Dirty Work (1986) albums. With Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, he co-authored Back to Zero for the Dirty Work LP.
During the Stones’ three-year hiatus (1986-1989), Leavell remained in contact with Jagger and Richards. Jagger invited Leavell to perform on his 1988 solo project, She’s the Boss, and Richards chose him for two projects – Aretha Franklin’s Jumpin’ Jack Flash video and single, and the all-star band that backed Chuck Berry in the 1987 Taylor Hackford Hail, Hail Rock ‘n ‘Roll feature film. Leavell again worked with Richards on his debut solo album, Talk is Cheap, in 1988.
When the Rolling Stones regrouped in 1989, it was only natural that Chuck would be asked to be their piano player. In June of that year, Leavell was called to London for the sessions for the Rolling Stones’ hit album Steel Wheels, and in July he began rehearsals with the band for the imminent tour.
During 1989 & 1990 Leavell played with the Stones on their Steel Wheels album and Urban Jungle (Europe) tour. Three years later came the Voodoo Lounge CD and subsequent, record-breaking world tour which lasted through 1995.
During the fall of 1997 Leavell again was on the road with the Stones on their celebrated Bridges to Babylon world tour … a tour that would evolve into No Security (which would be a live CD release as well) and last for nearly two years.
After 20 years, six tours and ten CDs with the Rolling Stones Chuck was once again invited to join the legendary band on yet another CD and world tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of the band – 40 Licks. This, too, would end up being released on both DVD and in a live-CD chronicle of the year’s performances.
In the spring of 2005, he got the call to fly to Paris for new, original sessions for the new Bigger Band CD. Then, of course, the Bigger Bang tour of 2005/2006 kicked off August 27 in Boston with Chuck on keyboards.