The Rolling Stones: Charlie Is My Darling - Ireland 1965 2012

What was once a mere whisper has now transformed into a definitive account as ABKCO Films unveils a newly restored version of the legendary yet unreleased film. Captured during a brief tour of Ireland just weeks after “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” soared to the top of the charts, The Rolling Stones: Charlie Is My Darling - Ireland 1965 provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of the young Stones on the road. This film showcases the first professionally recorded concert performances by the band, vividly illustrating the initial chaos sparked by their electrifying presence and the fervor of their fans.

Charlie Is My Darling serves as a recovered letter from a bygone era, a long-sought treasure for rock enthusiasts, who have only experienced fragmented snippets of its brilliance until now. With the band navigating through the picturesque Irish countryside by train, the film captures rapid transitions from taxis to cramped dressing rooms flooded with raucous admirers. Intimate moments unfold in motel rooms, where spontaneous songwriting sessions lead to the early iterations of future classics as riffs and lyrics meld together.

This revitalized version, crafted in 2012 by director Mick Gochanour and producer Robin Klein, the Grammy-winning duo behind The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus, features previously unseen footage. The film showcases dramatic and electrifying concert moments, including dynamic renditions of (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, The Last Time, and Time Is On My Side. These performances reflect the band’s evolution, merging elements of blues, R&B, and rock-n-roll riffs, capturing the spark that would ignite them into becoming The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World.

Candid, off-the-cuff interviews seamlessly weave through the narrative, revealing comical escapades as the band playfully teases each other and unsuspecting bystanders alike. This unparalleled perspective offers viewers an intimate look into the day-to-day life of the Stones, framed by the artistry of pioneering filmmaker Peter Whitehead and Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, presenting Charlie Is My Darling as the lost prologue to their story.

Much like their journey through the music industry, the Rolling Stones have consistently allowed profound filmmakers, including Jean-Luc Godard, the Maysles, Robert Frank, Michael Lindsay-Hogg, Hal Ashby, and Martin Scorsese, a rare glimpse into their world. Charlie Is My Darling stands as the invaluable precursor to their legendary status, chronicling the unseen narrative of how the band became the iconic figure we revere today.