A Prince Among Stones: That Business with the Rolling Stones and Other Adventures Hardcover – March 5, 2013

Prince Rupert is likely the last member of the Rolling Stones inner circle to write a book or to have a book written about him (I just found an autobiography by Bobby Keys on Amazon. A small biography was written several years ago about Charlie Watts, for which Charlie offered not the slightest cooperation or participation).This is far from being another typical rock-n-roll autobio. I am a nearly lifelong Rolling Stones fan. My earliest musical memory is of my uncle powering up an enormous and very '70's stereo and then putting on 'Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out'. I was instantly hooked! That being the case, I've read quite a few of the Stones bio's that are of the normal, "shoot-heroin-and-bang-groupies" variety.This book offers a very different view of the band and the music industry in general. Prince Rupert was a very unlikely candidate for the job that he undertook as the Stones financial adviser, but they should be damned thankful that he did! This is due to the fact that Prince Rupert was not already a "music industry guy". If he had been, then today the Stones would be nearly broke like so many other musicians whose finances were sloppily managed. As it happened, Prince Rupert was a merchant banker in "The City", or London's financial district. He was also a man whose integrity was as well-formed as his snobbery. Again, the Stones were lucky to find him!Rupert tells many stories about purging the Stones affairs of the corrupt practices that were the music industry norm at that time (graft, disappearing cash, side deals being made without the artist's full knowledge or understanding, contracts worthy of Caligula). He also explains how he was instrumental in cleaning up the industry's practices and raising the bar for music business management. The longevity and ongoing success of the band and Rupert's behind-the-scenes business dealings worked in tandem with one another very well and for a long time.Another standout is Rupert's sense of humor, which is dry and English almost beyond belief! Without ever having met the man, just reading the book is enough to convince one that Rupert is the epitome of the unflappable Englishman, perhaps even more than he realizes.Do be aware that there are sizable portions of this book that do not involve the Stones. The band is one of many characters this time, as opposed to being the entire book like they normally are. Some portions of the book are more Masterpiece Theater than rock-n-roll, but very amusing all the same.Other musicians appear as well. One brief encounter with Cat Stevens (at that time very recently recast as Yusuf Islam) is hilarious and yet another platform for Rupert's laconic wit. A fascinating read all around!

The first sixty pages are a rather tedious slog through Lowenstein's royal family history, his upbringing and the "la dolce vita" lifestyle of his early business career. The whole thing could have been condensed to twenty pages, but it is his book, so I suppose that it's fair to let him tell us who he is. Also, knowing his background does give us a much fuller picture into both his relationship with and work for The Rolling Stones.Mick Jagger brought Lowenstein in to look at The Stones' business affairs when, despite being one of the most popular music groups in the world, they were near financial ruin. After analyzing the situation, his first task was to gain a release from their contract with Decca Records. He also had to resolve an abusive relationship and tangle of contracts involving former manager, Allen Klein, which had led to them owing a huge tax bill while having little actual money.Lowenstein secured a new recording contract with Ahmet Ertegun and Atlantic Records for what would be the monster album "Sticky Fingers." It was also Lowenstein who, for tax reasons, advised The Stones to leave the UK and decamp to the South of France where they recorded "Exile on Main Street." He also reorganized the economics of touring which grew to the huge moneymaker that it remains to this day.One would have liked more detail on exactly how various legal negotiations were hammered out, as well as more specifics on how the dollar amounts and percentages were arranged in the great Stones moneymaking machine. That said, Lowenstein was their loyal business manager for some forty years, so I don't think we should expect him to air the particulars of his client's business in public.On the whole, it's an enjoyable read, perhaps mainly because of "the Prince's" overall affability and breezy tone. It's also a quick read at 233 pages, which to Lowenstein's credit is probably exactly the right length.

Who would have ever thought that the loyal Prince would write a book about his dealing with the Stones? Obviously not Mick Jagger. He was polite when he commented. But just the fact that he commented at all shows he was a bit less than happy with the Prince. Mick is a detailed money man. Prince Rupert was exactly what the Stones needed. I always remember a rather unique photograph of Mick and the Prince sitting up in the deserted stands of a very large stadium in I think it was Philadelphia a bunch of years back. The reason for the location was the Stones were kicking off yet another stateside tour with all the usual hoopla short of dancing bears. And away from the eye of craziness that attended such an event sat Mick and the Prince thoroughly engrossed in conversation and rather oblivious of their surroundings. The stark difference in their professions was on full display. A proper English gentleman and a former student with a scholarship to the London School of Economics who chose a different career path and was wildly successful, world famous and a role model for among other things....how to save your life, save your money and survive the rock and roll life. One of the more important contributors to the Rolling Stones' financial success and longevity is the proper English gentleman who wrote this book. No wonder Mick was a bit miffed. At least in public that is.

This was a good read, but be aware of the fact it is very much an autobiography of Rupert and not solely a Stones book. It is about 65 pages of his growing up before the Stones really enter. The Stones part is fairly interesting, and sheds some business light on what was really going on. The main drawback is that there is a LOT of namedropping of ancestors of former aristocrats, and the "upper crust". Rupert does not seem to let a chance go by to offer up how he knew this person of note, or relative of some past notable. I good, fast read, but some of it gets tedious.

For people who didn't like this book, the question you have to ask is, how many more times does 'The Rolling Stones Story' have to be retold. Each telling adds to the confusion with contradictory accounts. I enjoyed the book. It was interesting for this reason; it was written by a person who didn't like the music they produced and whose professional association related to business and was business-like. He appears to provide a very lucid account with descriptions of the band that appear to be honest. It was refreshing that there isn't the usual homo-erotic hagiography, hero-worshipping narrative about'the rock gods'. It enabled the reader to see the Stones from a non-musical perspective, and also, to understand better some of the issues surrounding decisions relating to their career. The book provides a vivd impression of them as young talented musicians, making a living, and how they grow up, but most of all it places them in the real world. I read a report that Mick was annoyed with this publication, but I don't think the author has said anything that makes any of the band appear foolish. On the contrary, it was Mick's approach to Prince Rupert that saved the band from bankruptcy and destruction. His assessment of Keith is also interesting. It is a pity that there isn't more detail about the contractual problems with Klien as I found this information fascinating. It is also a funny book, and has the potential of being made into a comedy film.We have Mick and Rupert to thank for the Stones long career.

Fascinated by the stones and equally as fascinated by their collective financial situation and the trials, tribulations and rip off merchants who managed said finances. Also intrigued by the, so called aristocracy. Rupert Loewenstein is an interesting member of the upper crust with a story to tell who deserves huge credit for what he did for the stones finances. Always assumed, as had been mooted by various persons, that Mr Jagger was the financial brains behind the band his having studied at the LSE and all that, but not so. It appears, and very much so, that Rupert was the wiz behind the rock and roll biz. A captivating tome from a pretty down to earth chap. Great book. (I also own a pair of Ruperts tailor made trousers).

Very interesting book about an educated, honest, business savvy aristocrat , rescuing the financial situation of a group of great rock stars who, through lack of financial nous were being badly exploited by a business savvy, but thoroughly dishonest "manager". .The dire financial situation of the rock stars was the catalyst for a long, successful partnership between people from different backgrounds whose paths would not normally cross.Interesting and well written, but would have benefitted from being longer and written in greater depth, with more emphasis on the business side.

Good book and well worth the low cost I payed for it. Jagger flouncing about in his white frock at the white ball. I nteresting insight to the bags of cash the zimmers were happy too accept till Rupert put a stop too it... Brenda celebrating at the White Ball celebrating.. the night after Brian Jones was murdered.

This is one of the most boring books I have ever read. I am a business manager and had high expectations for this book but it quickly descends into a wallowing mess of aristocratic name dropping.