10 Epic Versions of The Rolling Stones Tongue Logo + Fan Art

Today The Rolling Stones announced their Zip Code tour, which will stop at 15 stadiums across North America in the summer of 2015.

Their first stadium tour in over a decade also coincides with a remastered version of Sticky Fingers just in time for the album’s 45th birthday. That means that another piece of Stones’ memorabilia is also turning 45: the iconic tongue and lips logo that the band first featured on Sticky Fingers. We thought we’d show you some of the most interesting things that have been done with this indelible image, easily the most recognizable logo in rock.

Ernie Cefalu Original, 1971

https://twitter.com/NormanKelsey/status/471303437112451072

This flatter, slightly tamer version of the classic design is the basis for all the others. Though it was used for much of the merchandising and touring that surrounded Sticky Fingers, it’s not the version that actually appears on the album cover.

John Pasche Classic, 1971

https://twitter.com/ennis_tony/status/536846143653945344

For his version, John Pasche added some additional white highlights to give the lips a little more plumpness. These simple flourishes (based on Mick Jagger’s actual lips) helped make it the iconic symbol of the band and the most recognizable emblem in all of rock ‘n’ roll.

National Flag Tongues

https://twitter.com/Aaron_Rice_/status/498648800618364928

Since The Rolling Stones are one of the hugest international bands of all time, it makes sense that one of the most popular variations is to draw your country’s flag on the tongues. Now whenever The Stones visit U.S., Japan, Argentina, Denmark, or anywhere else in the world they have a legion of fans to make them feel right at home.

No Security Tour Striped Tongue, 1999

https://twitter.com/TimmyB707/status/493140373506494465

After the Bridges to Babylon tour in which the band played hundreds of large open-air venues, The Rolling Stones wanted to bring a scaled-back sound to their fans. The yellow and black striped tongue encapsulates the “enter at your own risk” feeling of these more intimate shows.

40 Licks Rainbow Tongue, 2002

https://twitter.com/ThePenna/status/544177690191085568

On their 40th anniversary The Rolling Stones released a career-spanning double CD compilation of their greatest material. This panchromatic rendition of the classic tongue hints at how many different styles The Stones managed to make their own during their illustrious career.

A Bigger Bang Tour Exploding Tongue, 2005

https://twitter.com/Exile_on_Arg/status/398193007481982976

After releasing their first new album in almost a decade, The Stones were ready to hit the road. This exploding version of the tongue is a perfect representation of the ensuing tour’s success over 144 shows in a two-year period.

Super Bowl Half-time Stage Tongue, 2006

https://twitter.com/stadiumpix/status/562053565875634178

This brilliant reimagining of the classic logo was perfect for the larger-than-life spectacle of the Super Bowl. It’s OK to be a little bit jealous of the fans that were lucky enough to rock out in the middle of the classic tongue logo once the band started it up on stage.

Shepard Fairey 50th Anniversary Tongue, 2012

https://twitter.com/AbsoluteRadio70/status/324115212078837760

When the mastermind behind the Obey graphics was approached by his musical heroes to work on their 50th Anniversary artwork, his main goal was to let the classic logo speak for itself. He did incorporate the number 50 in a very interesting way to add a little of his own flair.

GRRR! Tongue, 2012

https://twitter.com/sadasadao/status/530379891313606656

The tongue got another subtle redesign for the group’s 50th birthday on the cover of their greatest hits album “GRRR!” Designer Walton Ford played up the group’s dangerous and wild side by adding fangs to the classic image.

BONUS! Fan Art Featuring The Rolling Stones Logo

https://twitter.com/CKnightcreation/status/431543327477878784

https://twitter.com/BrickLoftOrg/status/571184851342237696

https://twitter.com/aaron_hcfc/status/369089006329278465

https://twitter.com/BryanCarte/status/523601796565323777

https://twitter.com/abebunji/status/454252728751902720

https://twitter.com/BenHandelman/status/411707125610450944

https://twitter.com/Conde_Maca/status/577098098272546816

https://twitter.com/StPaulsLifestyl/status/485900217058078720