Dirty Work

About Dirty Work

Dirty Work is the Rolling Stones' 18th British and 20th American studio album. It was released on 24 March 1986 on the Rolling Stones label by CBS Records. Produced by Steve Lillywhite, the album was recorded during a period when relations between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards soured considerably, according to Richards' autobiography Life. The album was recorded during a time of turmoil for the band, as the two principal songwriters, Richards and Jagger, had been feuding over the band's direction for most of the 1980s. Almost all of the band members had spent the previous several years working on solo albums or side projects. Other band members, including guitarist Ronnie Wood, drummer Charlie Watts, and bassist Bill Wyman, were often absent from the studio during recording sessions; it was rare that all five principal members were together at the same time. Additionally it would be the last album to feature former member and frequent contributor on piano Ian Stewart, who died shortly before the album's release. As a result, a large number of guest musicians appeared on the album, including drummers Anton Fig and Steve Jordan (with whom Richards would form the band X-pensive Winos after recording this album), guitarists Jimmy Page and Bobby Womack. Keyboards were played by Ivan Neville and Chuck Leavell, who would remain with the band for decades. Unlike most Stones albums, there was no supporting tour, as the level of animosity among band members prevented them from being able to work together live on stage. more »