Angus’ A-Z of logos: The Rolling Stones
Pentagram partner and creative director Angus Hyland explains the origins of one of the most well-known logos in the music industry, the iconic Rolling Stones ‘Hot Lips’.
Ever the astute businessman, Mick Jagger personally commissioned one of the most iconic logos ever made from art student John Pasche in 1970. Jagger realised that the image of the band was just as important to its future success as the music, and the infamous ‘Hot Lips’ logo was born.
Pasche was in his final year at the RCA when Jagger asked him to design a logo that could be used on the Stones’ record covers and promotional material. Loosely based on the red-lipped Indian goddess Kali, the result was a larger-than-life logo that also happens to capture Jagger’s most distinguishing feature.
Recognised as an iconic example of logo design, Pasche’s original artwork is now housed in the permanent collection of the V&A. This is about as establishment as you can get, but when it first appeared, the logo stood for quite the opposite. It was bold, anti-authoritarian and perfectly matched the band’s sex, drugs and rock‘n’roll persona.
Fast forward to 2025, and with the band still selling out stadiums (although now sadly minus drummer Charlie Watts), the logo is as visible as ever, on albums, tour posters and T-shirts, as well as a random range of merch that includes everything from coasters to phone chargers.
Now in their late 70s and 80s, the Stones will have to give up touring at some point—no doubt to be replaced by some ABBA Voyage-esque projections—but they don’t show any sign of slowing down just yet. And while they’re no doubt still rebellious in spirit, just how ‘anti-establishment’ they are now is debatable.
The band might have aged but, like the picture of Dorian Gray, their logo hasn’t. And when the day eventually comes when the remaining members finally hang up their leather trousers, it’s safe to say that, like the music, their Hot Lips logo will live on.
Next time: a logo that helped change the world
