How the German Rolling Stones Fan Club Published 'Stones International' with Bill Wyman's Help

The official German Rolling Stones fan club, run by dedicated fans out of Hamburg, launched Stones International in the early 1970s—one of the first fully authorized fan magazines for any major rock band. What made it unique was Bill Wyman’s hands‑on involvement: he not only gave the club his blessing but contributed a regular column, exclusive photos, and insider stories straight from the band.

Wyman saw Stones International as a direct line to the band’s most devoted followers. He’d feed the editors tour itineraries, recording session gossip, and personal anecdotes—stuff that never made it into mainstream press. The magazine ran for over a decade, selling in record shops and by subscription, and became a goldmine for collectors because Wyman’s contributions gave it genuine first‑person authority.