Rolling Stones ‘Dumbfounded and Perplexed’ by Poster Scandal

A poster promoting a new career-spanning Rolling Stones art exhibit has created a scandal in London – and a replacement image drew a sharp rebuke from the band.

The Rolling Stones announced Exhibitionism last week; the exhibit, set to open on April 6, 2016 at the Saatchi Gallery in London, will tour the world with more than 500 artifacts. The original poster, placed on city buses and throughout the subway system, was designed by Mark Horton and is featured at left.

But Transport for London and Clear Channel, which oversee subway and bus advertising respectively, said the artwork – featuring a female model's midsection and bikini bottoms with the Rolling Stones familiar tongue logo – was too lewd. The banned image was then replaced with a new poster, on the right, which simply moved the lips up to the model's navel.

“We are dumbfounded and perplexed at this rather silly decision," a Rolling Stones spokesman said. "Perhaps something to do with the fact that it’s the Rolling Stones and controversy still seems to follow them everywhere.”

Exhibitionism will include "original stage designs, dressing room and backstage paraphernalia; rare guitars and instruments, iconic costumes, rare audio tracks and unseen video clips; personal diaries and correspondence; original poster and album cover artwork, and unique cinematic presentations," according to a press release.

Check Out Our Rankings of Every Rolling Stones Album

You Think You Know the Rolling Stones?