Bob Spitz on Stones’ Authenticity, Art Schools, Showmanship

Bob Spitz, an award-winning biographer who worked with Bruce Springsteen and Elton John early in their careers, discussed the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, British art colleges and trends in popular music in a recent interview.

Spitz argued the Rolling Stones sustained their career through authenticity and a steady working relationship between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. He noted the band’s live performances and consistent style kept them connected to audiences over decades.

Spitz noted the Beatles shifted to studio work after they stopped touring in the mid-1960s. He linked the end of regular live performance to reduced daily collaboration and audience feedback, and to tensions that contributed to the band’s breakup.

On melody, Spitz said, “The Rolling Stones’ melodies are strong but not as lush or romantic as the Beatles’.” He pointed to the Stones’ 1967 album Satanic Majesties Request as a misstep that sought to imitate contemporary studio experiments rather than follow the band’s established approach.

Spitz described UK art colleges as places where students outside traditional academic paths experimented with music, design and performance. He added that those schools provided social networks and cultural freedom that helped many musicians form distinct identities.

On current trends, he argued popular music places more emphasis on visual spectacle and stage performance than on instrumental skill. He noted that electronic production has reduced the role of traditional instruments such as the guitar and changed how songs are composed and presented.

He defended Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” as retaining artistic value despite ongoing debate over the song. Spitz cited Bruce Springsteen’s rehearsal discipline and leadership of the E Street Band as examples of artists who maintain standards through hard work.

Spitz used the 1970s New York Knicks under coach Red Holzman as an example of teamwork and shared purpose. He framed his comments in the context of his work as a biographer and former manager, and noted his books have been bestsellers.