Keith Richards Almost Loses ‘Satisfaction’ – Moments That Nearly Destroyed Rock

In 1965 the Rolling Stones scored their breakthrough hit, ‘Satisfaction’ — but guitarist Keith Richards almost didn’t finish the song. He came up with the main riff during the early morning hours at a motel in Florida while on tour, putting it down on tape before lapsing back into sleep.

When Richards woke, there was only a bit of the riff on tape, followed by 45 minutes of snoring, he claims. But it was enough for him to show it to Mick Jagger, who recognized its potential and swung into action, finishing the song. Had Richards not taken a moment to record the bit -- or forgotten and not gone back to it -- the Stones might very well have missed out on their signature song. Ironically, Richards himself didn't care for it at first.