“Rod Is a Nightmare!”: When Mick Jagger Walked Out on Rod Stewart’s Seven-Time Key Change Demand in 1967

The year 1967 was a turning point in rock music, marked by bold experimentation and growing tensions behind the scenes. A legendary clash between two rising stars—Mick Jagger and Rod Stewart—occurred during a chaotic recording session that has since become part of rock folklore. The story, though lacking confirmation of the exact song, reveals the early challenges between these future icons and offers a glimpse into their contrasting creative approaches.

The Session That Tested Patience

At the time, Rod Stewart was emerging as a distinctive voice in the British music scene but had not yet reached global stardom. During the session, Stewart insisted that the key of the track be changed seven times to accommodate his raspy vocal style and deliver the perfect performance. This relentless pursuit of vocal perfection reportedly wore thin on Mick Jagger, the frontman of The Rolling Stones.

According to accounts, the repeated disruptions led Jagger to exclaim, “Rod is a nightmare!” before walking out of the studio in frustration—a rare public glimpse of tension between two musical forces.

1967: A Year of Turmoil and Growth

This episode unfolded amid a tumultuous year for both artists:

• Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones: 1967 was a difficult time for the Stones, who faced drug-related legal troubles, with Jagger and Keith Richards briefly imprisoned. Musically, the band was exploring new directions, releasing hits like “Ruby Tuesday” and “Let’s Spend the Night Together”, while working on the psychedelic-tinged Their Satanic Majesties Request. The immense pressure and scrutiny on Jagger made patience a scarce resource.
• Rod Stewart’s Rising Career: Stewart was carving out his path, moving from R&B groups like Steampacket to the Jeff Beck Group, where his unique voice began to attract attention. Though his first solo efforts had not yet made waves, his talent was undeniable. The groundwork laid in 1967 set the stage for his influential 1968 album Truth and his 1969 debut solo album An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down.

From Conflict to Legendary Careers

Despite this early clash, both men would go on to define rock history. Stewart sold over 120 million records worldwide, with his 1971 album Every Picture Tells a Story—featuring the iconic “Maggie May”—achieving simultaneous Number 1 status in multiple countries.

Their 1967 session remains a classic example of the creative friction between a bandleader’s drive for momentum and a vocalist’s quest for precision. It was a moment where two future legends tested each other’s limits, laying the foundation for decades of groundbreaking music to come.