Bill German

If you enjoyed the film “Almost Famous,” then you’ll love Bill German’s book, Under Their Thumb. It’s a true account of his life with the Rolling Stones.

German met the band while he was a teenager, shortly after launching his Stones-only magazine, Beggars Banquet. The publication lasted for seventeen years, during which time he traveled the world with the Stones, stayed at their homes, and witnessed their recording sessions. He lived the dream of every Rolling Stones fan, until he eventually had to leave the life behind.

Under Their Thumb offers a unique, honest, and humorous perspective of the greatest rock ’n’ roll band in the world, and features dozens of never-before-seen photographs. To commemorate the Stones' 60th anniversary, an updated paperback edition of Under Their Thumb (featuring bonus chapters and additional photos) has just been published in 2022. Find it at your favorite bookstore, as well as on Amazon.

For a taste of what's in Under Their Thumb, you can view this ten-minute profile, which aired on the nationally syndicated "Backstory" news program.

"Hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking."

-- Rolling Stone magazine

"Memorable details from the Stones' inner sanctum."

-- The New York Times

"German's proximity to the band makes this an essential Stones book,

while his engaging writing style will appeal to non-fanatics as well."
-- Newark Star-Ledger

"This book is absolutely great...

possibly the best book I've read about the Rolling Stones."
-- Andrew Loog Oldham

"Impossible to put down...

filled with priceless, often laugh-out-loud anecdotes. Under Their Thumb is a cautionary tale,
but a hugely entertaining one." -- Montreal Gazette