The Rolling Stones’ Backing Singer Shares Her Experience
Chanel Haynes, the most-featured backing singer in the Rolling Stones’ history, recently opened up about her time with the legendary rock band. In an exclusive interview, Haynes discussed how she managed to stay focused and bonded with the band members, including Keith Richards and Mick Jagger.
A Party Atmosphere
Haynes made two guest appearances with the band before being invited to join their North American Hackney Diamonds tour, which ran from April 28 to July 21. During each performance, she delivered Lady Gaga’s part in the song "Sweet Sounds of Heaven" and joined Jagger on the catwalk for "Gimme Shelter," the first time a supporting vocalist has had two leading moments.
A Sense of Belonging
Haynes described the opening night of the tour in Houston as a "party with my friends." She felt included and supported by the band, who made sure she felt comfortable and had everything she needed. "I’ve never felt disconnected from the band," she said. "Obviously, I’m the only girl, so there’s this awesome extra layer of sort of protection. They’re like, ‘Are you okay; do you need anything?’"
Red Room Parties
When Haynes felt overwhelmed by the energy of the crowd or the pressure of performing with the Rolling Stones, she would retreat to her "red room" – a space she would set up with red light bulbs, snacks, and wine. She would invite other band members to join her, and they would hang out, listen to music, and relax together. "It has just really been a blessing," she said.
Mick Jagger’s Energy
Haynes described Jagger’s energy as exhausting, both physically and mentally. "It’s not just the physicality. It’s the mental pressure. It’s the responsibility that’s on his shoulders," she said. "And it’s like, ‘Okay. You stand before your people, and you lead them strong. You take care of them, and they take care of you.’ It is beautiful to witness, and it’s very inspiring for me."
Learning from Jagger
Haynes shared a story about how she learned to pay attention to detail from Jagger. During a rehearsal, she made a mistake and sang a lower note than she should have. Jagger caught it and corrected her, teaching her to "lock it down, girl." "I learned, in that rehearsal, he’s going to catch every single thing, so you might as well lock it down," she said.
Bonding with Keith Richards
Haynes developed a close bond with Richards, who would often invite her to share a plate of shepherd’s pie with him before shows. She described the experience as grounding and calming, saying, "Watching him strum his guitar, while I totally devour his shepherd’s pie, is one of my favorite memories."
Hope for a European Tour
When asked about rumors of a European tour in 2025, Haynes expressed hope that it would come to fruition. She reflected on the greatest reward of touring with the Rolling Stones, saying, "The greatest reward, truly, at the end of the show, [is] to be in the arms of everyone else. When we bow and we say thank you, that’s what the bow is for, thanking everyone else, and simultaneously thanking each other for getting us here. It’s just such a beautiful reward at the end, all that hard work that we did. And we did this together."
Conclusion
Chanel Haynes’ experience as the most-featured backing singer in the Rolling Stones’ history is a testament to her talent, dedication, and ability to adapt to new situations. Her stories about bonding with the band members, including Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, offer a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the legendary rock band.
FAQs
Q: How did you manage to stay focused during your time with the Rolling Stones?
A: I had a strong support system within the band, and I would often retreat to my "red room" to relax and recharge.
Q: What was it like performing with Mick Jagger?
A: It was exhausting, both physically and mentally, but also inspiring and beautiful to witness.
Q: Did you learn anything from Jagger during your time with the band?
A: Yes, I learned to pay attention to detail and to "lock it down" when performing.
Q: How did you bond with Keith Richards?
A: We would often share a plate of shepherd’s pie before shows, and I found his calm and grounding presence to be a great comfort.
Q: Are you hopeful about the rumors of a European tour in 2025?
A: Yes, I am hopeful that it will come to fruition, and I am excited about the possibility of touring with the band again.
