How Rolling Stones Fans Petitioned for 'She's a Rainbow' as a Single

In 1967, the Rolling Stones were deep into their psychedelic period, and Their Satanic Majesties Request was met with mixed reactions. One standout track, “She’s a Rainbow,” had a lush, orchestral arrangement and an unusually bright melody for the band — but it wasn’t initially planned as a single in the US. That’s where the fans stepped in.

Letters poured into London Records from American listeners, many of them teenage girls who’d heard the song on the radio and couldn’t find a 45. Some organized informal petition drives at record stores and fan-club meetings. The push was strong enough that the label finally caved, issuing “She’s a Rainbow” as a US single in December 1967 (backed with “2000 Light Years from Home”). It