That was the first year he joined the Rolling Stones after replacing Brian Jones who they let go and then found dead in his pool. He played with them only 2 days after he died which had to be a really weird first performance since it was also a memorial as well. He only stayed with the band for 5 years until 1974 before leaving due to not feeling appreciated for his contributions or being credited on tracks as well as having a big drug problem he needed to get control of and knew he couldnt do that if he stayed with the band. He fully believes if he didn't leave he would have died at some point due to it. He was replaced with Ronnie Wood, but has since joined them during the 50th anniversary tour as a special guest.

On Dec. 6, 1969, 8 days prior to this picture,, the Stones performed at the Altamont Speedway Free Concert, and fatefully, they had chosen the Hells Angels as their security for the night. A young Black man named Meredith Hunter was fatally stabbed by a Hells Angel during the set. As everyone watched in horror, the band played on, aware of the altercation but apparently unaware of the death.

The Stones said they continued playing out of fear there would be a massive riot if they stopped, a decision that proved controversial. While some blamed the Stones for the chaos that led to the tragedy, others accepted their explanation and waited to see what they’d do next in the music world.