Fool to Cry - Rolling Stones (1975) 2/18/23

The year was 1975, and The Rolling Stones were in a bit of bind. They were putting together their "Black & Blue" album, when lead guitarist Mick Taylor abruptly quit the group.

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards had written an introspective ballad (a rarity!) for the album, but who would play lead guitar on the track? And who would replace Taylor permanently?

They decided on having auditions, and when veteran session guitarist Wayne Perkins showed up, they gave him a shot at "Fool to Cry." Wayne nailed it. In fact, he did so well,

they decided to use him on the final recording.

Good move, because in 1976, when the song was released as a single with Wayne on lead guitar, it became a worldwide hit. "Fool to Cry" charting in 9 countries, reaching the Top 10 in 4 of them, including the US at #10.

The Stones had yet another hit on their hands, and for Wayne Perkins? Well, in the end, he got a big "thank you, but he didn't get the permanent gig. The group went with Ron Wood instead.

But still, if Wayne wasn't already in demand as a session guitarist, he was after this. He'd be a "fool to cry" about it. (See what I did there?)

"Fool to Cry" by The Rolling Stones: a Great Song of 1976! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX-g65P9vZo