There’s never a dull moment in the world of classic rock, and legendary guitarist Harvey Mandel recently stirred up an old story that involves none other than The Rolling Stones. According to Mandel, Keith Richards personally sabotaged his chance to join the band after Mick Taylor’s departure in 1974.
In a recent interview with Guitar World, Mandel reflected on his time playing with the Stones and the audition process that ultimately led to Ronnie Wood getting the gig. While Wood has been a core member of the band for decades, Mandel insists that he had a real shot at the role—until Richards stepped in.
The Unexpected Call from Mick Jagger
Harvey Mandel, best known for his work with Canned Heat, never imagined he’d get a shot with one of the biggest rock bands of all time. That all changed one night in 1974 when his phone rang in the middle of the night.
“I was living in LA,” Mandel recalled. “In the middle of the night, I got a call, and it’s Mick Jagger. I thought it was somebody goofing around, but I realized it was Mick Jagger. He said, ‘We want you to come to Germany.’”
Mandel wasn’t entirely sure what the invitation meant. Jagger didn’t explicitly say it was an audition but instead mentioned he wanted Mandel to “come and play to be a part of the record.”
Without hesitation, Mandel packed up his gear, grabbed a plane ticket, and flew to Germany, eager for what could be a life-changing opportunity.
Recording with The Rolling Stones
Once in Germany, Mandel got to work recording with the band. He played on two songs that would later appear on Black and Blue—“Memory Motel” and “Hot Stuff.”
Everything seemed to be going well, but then Ronnie Wood arrived. Mandel claims that Richards had already made up his mind about who should fill Taylor’s spot, and it wasn’t him.
“Ronnie Wood came in the next day, and they were pals,” Mandel said. “They grew up together and hung out. Mick Jagger wanted me to play. Keith Richards wanted Ronnie Wood, who won out, because Keith had the power to insist it was Ronnie, or else. So I kind of got aced out.”
Was Keith Richards Cold Toward Mandel?
Beyond losing out on the gig, Mandel described his experience with Richards as downright unfriendly.
“Keith Richards was kind of weird,” he shared. “I played some of the greatest guitar licks I ever played, but he didn’t even say hello or shake hands. He was kind of unfriendly, whereas Mick Jagger was the complete opposite.”
At the time, Wood hadn’t even entered the scene yet. But Mandel felt that Richards had already made up his mind, and his aloof behavior made it clear he wasn’t interested in welcoming an American guitarist into the fold.
“I never got friendly with Keith Richards,” Mandel admitted. “If it wasn’t for him, I would have been the Rolling Stones’ replacement for Mick Taylor. He’s the one that screwed me up.”
Despite the missed opportunity, Mandel went on to have a long and successful career, but he never forgot how close he came to being a Rolling Stone. Whether Richards truly blocked him from joining the band or was simply pushing for his preferred choice, it remains one of those classic rock what-ifs that fans will always wonder about.