Rock and Roll Mystery: The “Sticky Finger” Case
There’s an intriguing mystery making the rounds in rock and roll circles, often referred to as the “sticky finger” case.
So, who’s Mick Taylor? He was a member of the Rolling Stones from 1969 to 1974 and earned a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 1989. His contributions are especially noted in the 1972 album “Exile on Main St.,” which has recently come back into the spotlight thanks to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Nearly 54 years ago, a theft occurred at a villa linked to the Stones. A hole was drilled in the wall, and the incident has since become a part of rock folklore.
Rock historian and fan shared some details, saying, “Villa Nellcourt was always an open place. In September 1971, the thief boldly exited through the main gate with nine items—Keith Richards’ guitar, Bobby Keys’ saxophone, and Bill Wyman’s bass. It’s said to involve a drug dealer from Marseille who borrowed money from Richards.” It really paints a picture of the chaotic rock lifestyle.
Earlier this May, the Metropolitan Museum announced a “Great Gift,” showcasing over 500 classic guitars, including pieces once owned by legends like Roy Rogers and Mississippi John Hurt.
Interestingly, Mick Taylor’s business manager, Marley Damming, noted that Richards had previously sold the same Les Paul guitar to Taylor. “That photo of Mick with his Les Paul was taken when it was his main guitar—a bit of history, really,” he mentioned, referring to vintage Les Pauls from the late 1950s.
The donation to the Met also featured guitars used on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” which adds an extra layer of celebrity history to the collection.
However, there’s some lingering ambiguity. Taylor has reportedly never been compensated for the theft, and he seems puzzled about how his guitar ended up in the Met’s collection.
The Met hasn’t provided any immediate comment on the matter, and the advisor for Dirk Ziff, the collector behind the donation, also hasn’t responded. It’s definitely a curious situation. So, what’s the story, really? Perhaps it’s time to ask Keith!
