The Cassette Demo of ‘Tops’ in the Tattoo You Super Deluxe – Why Jimmy Miller’s Drum Track Matters

The 2021 super deluxe edition of Tattoo You hides one oddball piece of memorabilia: a replica cassette single that contains the original 1972 demo of “Tops.” That demo is the only known Rolling Stones recording where producer Jimmy Miller actually plays drums.

Miller was the band’s studio anchor through their imperial phase, but he rarely picked up sticks on a Stones track. On this take, Charlie Watts wasn’t in the room – the song was cut during