The Rolling Stones American Tour 1972, 2009

John Pasche Biography

The Rolling Stones tongue and lips is one of the most recognisable logos in rock history, but the artist behind it, John Pasche, has remained relatively anonymous in the art world, until now. The story behind how Pasche was commissioned to make the cult symbol is like a dream come true for any artist or designer at the beginning of their career.

In 1970, The Rolling Stones office contacted the Royal College of Art and asked if they could recommend a student to come along and meet with lead singer Mick Jagger to discuss the designing of a poster for their forthcoming European tour. Two weeks later the fortunate student, a young John Pasche, delivered the finished artwork which was approved by the band. Jagger surprised student and visitors by turning up at the Royal College unannounced to see the artwork exhibited in Pasche’s degree show exhibition. Due to the success of the poster art, Pasche was then commissioned to design a logo for their independent record label and the tongue and lips was born. The first major outing for the logo was on the inner bag for the Stones’ 1971 album Sticky Fingers. By 1972, Pasche had formed a successful working relationship with Jagger and was asked to design a poster for their 1972 American Tour which featured the logo on their tour plane. In subsequent years, the poster became a major collector’s item in the States. Pasche retained the artwork and copyright of the posters as well as the original logo art which was bought by the V&A Museum and will be exhibited there from April 2009.

Pasche studied BA Graphic Design at Brighton College of Art (1963 – 1967) before going on to study his MA at the Royal College, London (1967 – 1970). After leaving college he worked in various design agencies before landing the post of art director at in the music division at United Artists. His most recent position was creative director of the South Bank Centre, which he held for 11 years between 1994 and 2005. He has also taught as a visiting lecturer at the Royal College of Art and won numerous awards for his design work.