Today’s guest is Prince Stanislas Klossowski de Rola - better known to friends and fans as Prince Stash: musician, actor, poet, aristocrat, and close friend of The Rolling Stones.
The son of celebrated artist Balthus, Stash came of age in the cultural epicentre of 1960s London and Paris, living at the crossroads of la dolce vita and the burgeoning rock revolution. After sharing a stage with the Stones in their early years, Stash struck up a lifelong friendship with founding guitarist Brian Jones - a bond forged through a shared love of fashion, music, art, and women.
In 1967, that friendship would place him at the centre of one of the decade’s most infamous scandals: the Stones’ notorious drug bust that shook Swinging London and threatened to derail Stash’s entire career.
In this episode, Stash retraces his extraordinary life, from early ambitions to conquer Hollywood to his stint with rock ’n’ roll pioneer Vince Taylor, and recalls the heady ’60s in remarkable detail, offering a rare insider’s view of the Stones’ world as it seemed to almost shatter. He opens up on that “farcical” bust, how Paul McCartney shielded him from its aftershocks, and the profound effect it would ultimately have on Brian.
It’s a fantastic story, full of great friendships - he talks of John Lennon, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Anita Pallenberg, Sharon Tate - but also a meditation on alchemy and the divine, charting a life lived entirely on his own terms.
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Lip Service is produced and presented by Simon Harper.
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Today’s guest is Chuck Leavell: legendary keyboardist, longtime musical director for The Rolling Stones, and one of the most respected musicians in rock history.
Chuck’s story is a remarkable journey through some of the most iconic moments in American music. Inspired by the British Invasion as a teenager, he immersed himself in Alabama’s thriving music scene, even hanging outside Muscle Shoals Studios in the hope of joining a session. By 18, he was part of the Capricorn Records family in Macon, Georgia, and soon joined the Allman Brothers Band, where his dazzling piano work lit up classics like ‘Jessica’ and helped define their sound.
In the early 1980s, Chuck joined The Rolling Stones, becoming not only a key musical force on stage but, as their trusted musical director, the person responsible for shaping setlists and arrangements, and helping the band translate their catalogue for stadium audiences around the world.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Chuck reflects on his extraordinary career: from a formative encounter with Ray Charles, to leading the Stones’ live evolution, to his lifelong commitment to forestry and conservation.
A warm, insightful storyteller and a musician of rare calibre, Chuck offers a fascinating perspective from the heart of the Stones’ world.
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Lip Service is produced and presented by Simon Harper.
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Today’s guest is Bernard Fowler: powerhouse vocalist, long-time Rolling Stones backing singer, and a hugely respected artist in his own right.
Born and raised in Queensbridge, New York, Bernard’s musical journey began amid the vibrant, genre-blending landscape of 1970s NYC. From gospel choirs and Latin rhythms to disco and early hip-hop, his influences shaped a singular voice that would eventually take him to global stages. After early success with the Peech Boys, pioneers of the New York club scene, he became an in-demand session singer, collaborating with Herbie Hancock, Mick Jagger, and countless others.
In this episode, Bernard shares the incredible story of how a chance meeting with Mick Jagger led to his involvement on ‘She’s The Boss’, then the ‘Primitive Cool’ tour, and ultimately a 35-year career as a core member of The Rolling Stones’ live and studio family. He talks candidly about finding his place within the band, recording ‘Steel Wheels’, crafting vocal textures that have become integral to the live sound, and how his own creative projects, including the spoken-word album ‘Inside Out’, made him appreciate the Stones' musical genius even more.
A magnetic storyteller with a deep love of the music, Bernard offers a unique, inside perspective on life with The Rolling Stones on stage, in the studio, and behind the scenes.
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Lip Service is produced and presented by Simon Harper.
Pleased to meet you...! Welcome to Lip Service!
Our very first guest is Andrew Loog Oldham: the original manager and producer of The Rolling Stones, and the teenage Svengali who shaped their early sound, style, and mythology.
In 1963, at just 19, Andrew signed the Stones, secured their record deal, positioned them as the dangerous antidote to The Beatles, and produced their first run of classic hits. He also famously locked Mick and Keith in a room until they began writing together, sparking one of the most legendary songwriting partnerships of all time.
In this rare, revealing conversation, he reflects on how he transformed the Stones from R&B hopefuls into global icons: securing their record deal, shaping their rebellious image, pushing Mick and Keith to write their own songs, and producing their first run of classic hits. Oldham also opens up about his media strategies, his mental health struggles, and the moment he walked away, leaving the band to Allen Klein.
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Lip Service is produced and presented by Simon Harper.
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Coming Soon: Lip Service is a new podcast exploring the music, life, and legacy of The Rolling Stones through amazing conversations with the people who know them best, hosted by music journalist Simon Harper.