On January 15, 1967, The Rolling Stones were forced to change the lyrics to the a-side of their single during their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show to avoid offending American television viewers.
The Infamous Lyric Change
The band's performance on the highly popular Ed Sullivan Show led to a memorable confrontation over their song, "Let's Spend the Night Together," which was the a-side of their then-current single. The show's producers, specifically Ed Sullivan himself, deemed the original lyric too suggestive for a prime-time national audience.
- Date of Appearance: January 15, 1967
- Controversial Song: "Let's Spend the Night Together"
- Reason for Change: To prevent offense to the "delicate sensibilities of American TV viewers."
Original vs. Censored Lyrics
The band, particularly Mick Jagger, had to alter a key line in the song during their live performance.
| Aspect | Original Lyric | Censored Lyric (on Ed Sullivan) |
|---|---|---|
| Phrase | "Let's spend the night together" | "Let's spend some time together" |
Despite the band's initial reluctance and Mick Jagger's visible displeasure during the performance, they complied with the demand. This incident became a notable moment in television history, highlighting the prevalent censorship standards of the era and the clash between rock and roll's evolving themes and mainstream media. The performance, despite the alteration, further solidified The Rolling Stones' image as rebellious figures in the burgeoning rock music scene.
