'' Let It Bleed '' is the eighth British and tenth American studio album by English rock band the Rolling Stones , released in December 1969 by Decca Records in the United Kingdom and London Records in the United States . Released shortly after the band 's 1969 American Tour , it is the follow-up to 1968 's '' Beggars Banquet '' . The album was recorded during a period of turmoil in the band ; Brian Jones , the band 's founder and original leader , had become increasingly unreliable in the studio due to heavy drug use , and during most recording sessions was either absent , or so incapacitated that he was unable to contribute meaningfully . He was fired in the midst of recording sessions for this album , and replaced by Mick Taylor . Jones appeared on this album on only two songs , playing backing instruments , and went on to die within a month of being fired . Taylor had been hired after principal recording was complete on many of the tracks , and likewise appears on only two songs , having recorded some guitar overdubs . As such , Keith Richards was the band 's sole guitarist during most of the recording sessions ; being responsible for nearly all of the rhythm and lead parts . The other Stones members ( Mick Jagger , Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts ) appear on nearly every track , and significant additional contributions were made by percussionist Jimmy Miller ( who also produced the album ) , keyboardists Nicky Hopkins and Ian Stewart , and numerous other guest musicians
1969 American Tour
The Rolling Stones American Tour 1969
Let It Bleed