I am speaking on behalf of 640 kids who all HATE you

An angry child writes to the Rolling Stones in 1966

Dec 2, 2022

Rock and roll band “The Rolling Stones” performs onstage in 1966. (L-R) Bill Wyman, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

In March of 1966, as their Australian tour came to an end, a few members of The Rolling Stones—Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts—decided to unwind by hopping over to the island of Fiji where they were to take a short break. It was during that visit, and due in no small part to a flippant remark made by their road manager concerning the quiet reception they received on arrival, that the following letter was sent to their hotel by an angry schoolkid.

The letter reached the band. Years later, it also reached the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio, where it was on display for all to enjoy.

To the Rolling Stones,
Just wanted you to know, me and my friends with nearly the whole school, HATE you. Because you don’t look like men, you are nothing but ANIMALS, and smell like them too. We know also that you are DIRTY and STINK. You probably never have baths which is typical of English pigs like you. I hope that you hurry up and go away from clean Fiji, because we don’t want you here, you PIGS. We HATE HATE HATE you. I am speaking on behalf of 640 kids who all HATE you. So go and pick some pigsty in the slums of smelly England and have your MISERABLE holiday there. Your stupid road manager was upset about no-one greeting you, because we HATE you. Your road manager needs a POKE. If you dare to set foot in Suva, me and my friends will tell some of the MEN of Fiji (Suva), to come and SPIT on you, and go to the TOILET on you. Thats all your worth. So do what I said, and GET OUT, we HATE you.

GIFTS OF NOTE

Before I go, and at the risk of alarming you, Christmas is almost upon us, which means you probably need to buy some gifts. I’d like to give you a couple of options. Firstly, I’m currently selling, at half price, the last remaining Special Editions of two of my books: Lists of Note, and the second volume of Letters of Note. They can be signed, personalised, gift-wrapped, or none of the above, and they’re both gorgeous objects. I’m as proud of those books as I am of anything else I’ve ever put my name to. Alternatively, you could gift them a subscription to this newsletter by clicking here, and in doing so further support this project. But look, it’s up to you. I’m just trying to help.

Thanks for reading. May your weekend be free of drama.