On this day August 29 1989, Steel Wheels by The Rolling Stones was released. As the band’s twenty first studio album, it marked a major return after years of internal tension and a brief creative split between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The album reestablished their partnership and signaled the start of a new era for the legendary group.
Steel Wheels featured the singles Mixed Emotions, Rock and a Hard Place, and Almost Hear You Sigh. The album combined the Stones’ classic rock and blues foundations with a more polished late 80s production. While not as raw as their earlier work, it was praised for its energy and cohesion.
The release was followed by the massive Steel Wheels Tour, which became one of the highest grossing tours of the decade and reintroduced the Stones to a new generation of fans. It helped solidify their status not just as rock icons but as a global touring powerhouse.
80s insight: Steel Wheels proved that even after more than two decades together, The Rolling Stones could still fill stadiums and deliver a solid rock album that mattered in a changing music landscape.
Steel Wheels featured the singles Mixed Emotions, Rock and a Hard Place, and Almost Hear You Sigh. The album combined the Stones’ classic rock and blues foundations with a more polished late 80s production. While not as raw as their earlier work, it was praised for its energy and cohesion.
The release was followed by the massive Steel Wheels Tour, which became one of the highest grossing tours of the decade and reintroduced the Stones to a new generation of fans. It helped solidify their status not just as rock icons but as a global touring powerhouse.
80s insight: Steel Wheels proved that even after more than two decades together, The Rolling Stones could still fill stadiums and deliver a solid rock album that mattered in a changing music landscape.
