Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! The Rolling Stones in Concert (1970)
Artist: The Rolling Stones
Type: Live album
Released: September 4, 1970 (UK) / September 11, 1970 (US)
Label: Decca (UK) / London (US)
Genre: Rock • Blues rock • Hard rock
Length: 46:40
Producer: The Rolling Stones
Widely regarded as one of the greatest live rock albums ever recorded, Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! captures The Rolling Stones at the peak of their late-1960s power. Recorded primarily at Madison Square Garden in New York City during their 1969 US tour, the album showcases the band’s raw energy, tight musicianship, and explosive stage presence.
This was the final live album to feature Brian Jones-era material, though Jones had passed away before the tour; guitarist Mick Taylor had joined the band and brought a new, fluid blues style to their sound.
📦 Cover Art & Design
🎨 Design Highlights
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🐴 Iconic Donkey Image: The front cover features drummer Charlie Watts standing beside a donkey loaded with guitars and amplifiers.
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📸 Photograph by David Bailey.
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🎸 The donkey’s name was reportedly “Moses.”
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🎭 Playful yet symbolic image—combining rural blues roots with rock ‘n’ roll swagger.
The quirky cover contrasts with the raw intensity of the music and has become one of the most recognizable live album covers in rock history.
🎵 Tracklist
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Jumpin’ Jack Flash
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Carol
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Stray Cat Blues
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Love in Vain
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Midnight Rambler
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Sympathy for the Devil
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Live with Me
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Little Queenie
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Honky Tonk Women
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Street Fighting Man
👥 Band Lineup (1969 Tour)
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Mick Jagger – Lead vocals, harmonica
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Keith Richards – Guitar, backing vocals
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Mick Taylor – Lead guitar
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Bill Wyman – Bass
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Charlie Watts – Drums
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Ian Stewart – Piano (touring musician)
🎶 Top Performances
⭐ Midnight Rambler
An extended blues epic; one of the Stones’ most intense live performances.
⭐ Sympathy for the Devil
Slower, darker live interpretation compared to the studio version.
⭐ Jumpin’ Jack Flash
High-energy opener that sets the explosive tone.
⭐ Love in Vain
Robert Johnson cover showcasing Mick Taylor’s emotional lead guitar.
📈 Commercial Performance & Sales
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🥇 UK Albums Chart: #1
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🥇 US Billboard 200: #1
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💿 Certified Platinum (US)
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🌍 Estimated worldwide sales: 5+ million copies
The album was a major commercial and critical success, solidifying the Stones’ reputation as one of the greatest live acts in rock history.
🏆 Recognition
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Frequently listed among the greatest live albums of all time
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Praised for authentic live sound and powerful performances
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Helped redefine expectations for live rock recordings
🎤 Fun Facts & Trivia
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🎸 Mick Taylor’s debut US tour with the band; his fluid blues style elevated the live sound.
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🎥 The 1969 tour was documented in the film Gimme Shelter.
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🥁 Some minor studio overdubs were added later to enhance sound quality.
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🎵 The phrase “Ya-Ya’s” was reportedly inspired by a comment from John Lennon.
🤯 Did You Know?
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The album was recorded just months after the tragic Altamont Free Concert (December 1969).
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“Midnight Rambler” often ran over 10 minutes in live performances.
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Many critics consider this the definitive live Rolling Stones album.
