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SuperHeavy
SuperHeavy
from Wikipedia

SuperHeavy was a one-off supergroup project consisting of Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart, A. R. Rahman, and Damian Marley. Stone and Stewart have collaborated in the past with Jagger. Jagger said of the band, "We wanted a convergence of different musical styles... We were always overlapping styles, but they were nevertheless separate".[1] Jagger wanted SuperHeavy to showcase different musical styles, with music ranging from reggae to ballads to Indian music.[2]

Key Information

History

[edit]

The existence of SuperHeavy was secret until May 2011.[3] Mick Jagger, English musician and the lead vocalist of rock band the Rolling Stones, announced its formation on 20 May 2011.[4] SuperHeavy was Dave Stewart's idea.[4] Inspired by the sounds washing into his home in St Ann's Bay, Jamaica, Stewart urged Jagger to fuse their sound with that of Indian orchestras.[5] Stewart and Jagger had mutual liking for Indian orchestrations; thus, A. R. Rahman was added to the supergroup.[6] The name of the band is said to be inspired by Muhammad Ali.[7]

In early 2009, Jagger, Rahman, Stewart, Joss Stone and Damian Marley experimented at Jim Henson Studios in Los Angeles, California, trying to "write songs which had meaning",[8] during which they recorded 29 songs in 10 days.[9] SuperHeavy is rounded out by Marley's rhythm section of bassist/composer Shiah Coore and drummer Courtney Diedrick along with a longtime Stewart collaborator, rock violinist Ann Marie Calhoun.[10]

The group began recording their self-titled debut album in early 2009 at a studio in Los Angeles.[citation needed] The album was previewed at Jim Henson Studios, Los Angeles, on 30 June 2011. The band played eight of the recorded songs at the event.[11] Their debut single, "Miracle Worker", released on 6 July 2011, received mostly positive reviews.[12][13] Mick Jagger sings in Sanskrit on "Satyameva Jayathe" ("truth alone triumphs"), the second single, released on 9 August 2011. Composed by Rahman, the song also features Stewart, Stone and Marley.[14]

Members

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Personnel:

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions
AUT
[15]
BEL
[16]
DEN
[17]
NL
[18]
NOR
[19]
NZ
[20]
SWE
[21]
SWI
[22]
UK
[23]
US
[24]
SuperHeavy 1 10 9 1 17 12 31 2 13 26

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
AUT
[15]
BEL
[16]
NL
[18]
SWI
[22]
UK
[25]
"Miracle Worker" 2011 37 71 25 63 136 SuperHeavy
"Satyameva Jayathe"

Other charted songs

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
NL
[18]
"Beautiful People" 2011 64 SuperHeavy

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
SuperHeavy was an English-American rock supergroup consisting of Mick Jagger (lead vocals), Joss Stone (vocals), Dave Stewart (guitar), A. R. Rahman (keyboards), and Damian Marley (vocals). Formed as a one-off project in 2009, the group blended rock, soul, reggae, and world music influences. The band originated from collaborations between Jagger and Stewart, who recruited the other members to explore genre fusion. They recorded their self-titled debut and only album, SuperHeavy, released on September 16, 2011, by A&M/Universal Records, which debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200 and received mixed reviews for its eclectic style. Singles included "Miracle Worker" and "She Brings Me Love," with promotional performances limited to a few live appearances and a music video. No further releases or tours occurred after 2011, marking the project as defunct as of November 2025.

Formation

Project Origins

The SuperHeavy project emerged in the late as a collaborative initiative spearheaded by , who sought to create a supergroup blending rock, , , and genres to explore innovative cultural fusions. Jagger's vision was shaped by his enduring fascination with global musical traditions, aiming to transcend conventional band structures through temporary, ego-free collaboration. Dave Stewart, co-founder of the Eurythmics and a frequent collaborator with Jagger, played a pivotal role as co-initiator. In early 2009, while residing in , Stewart telephoned Jagger from his hilltop home in Lime Hall, inspired by the cacophony of overlapping sound systems playing diverse in the surrounding jungle. This spontaneous conversation sparked the project's foundation, with Stewart proposing a multi-genre to capture the raw energy of such auditory overlaps, combining Jamaican rhythms with South Asian influences and rock elements. Initial brainstorming and informal jam sessions commenced that year, primarily at in , where Jagger and Stewart experimented with song ideas over extended periods, producing hours of material in intensive bursts. These early gatherings emphasized creative spontaneity, with tracks often developed in single takes to preserve the project's experimental spirit. From the outset, SuperHeavy was designed as a one-off endeavor, free from long-term obligations, to prioritize musical and cultural exploration over commercial or touring commitments. This approach allowed the founders to invite diverse talents without imposing ongoing band dynamics, focusing instead on a singular album as a testament to cross-genre innovation.

Member Recruitment

The recruitment process for SuperHeavy commenced in 2009, initiated by Dave Stewart contacting Mick Jagger from Jamaica to propose an experimental supergroup fusing rock, soul, reggae, and global sounds. Stewart and Jagger, drawing from their longstanding professional relationship, quickly assembled the core lineup through personal networks and shared musical interests. Joss Stone was the first additional member invited, brought in by Stewart due to their prior collaborations and her soulful vocal style, which aligned with the project's vision for eclectic harmonies. joined next, recruited by Jagger out of admiration for Rahman's innovative Bollywood and international compositions, particularly following the success of ; this addition introduced orchestral and Eastern elements to the mix. was subsequently enlisted by Jagger and Stewart to provide reggae rhythms, leveraging Jagger's historical ties to — including shared recording spaces in the 1970s and mutual respect for reggae's legacy—despite Jagger not having previously met Damian personally. Assembling the group presented logistical hurdles due to the members' disparate locations and demanding solo schedules, spanning the , , , and , which extended the initial jamming sessions at Jim Henson Studios in over 18 months of intermittent collaboration. To maintain creative cohesion amid these challenges, the founders opted to cap the lineup at five core members, prioritizing focused contributions over a larger ensemble.

Members

Mick Jagger

, renowned as the lead vocalist and a founding member of since 1962, brought his extensive experience in and collaborative projects to SuperHeavy. His solo endeavors, including albums that featured diverse guest artists from various genres, highlighted his longstanding interest in blending musical styles beyond traditional rock, setting the stage for his involvement in supergroup formations. In SuperHeavy, Jagger served as a key visionary and co-founder alongside Dave Stewart, driving the project's emphasis on genre fusion and egalitarian collaboration where members "subsumed their egos" to prioritize the music. He provided lead and shared vocals on several tracks, including the title song "SuperHeavy," "Unbelievable," and "Miracle Worker," while contributing lyrical content that addressed themes of unity and global concerns, such as political critique in his solo-penned "I Can't Take It No More." Jagger's overall input shaped the album's eclectic sound, drawing from over 40 hours of jam sessions condensed into 12 focused songs recorded in just 10 days in Los Angeles in 2009. Jagger's prior cross-genre work, notably his 1978 collaboration with reggae artist on the duet "(You Gotta Walk) Don't Look Back"—a cover blending and reggae elements—prepared him for SuperHeavy's diverse lineup. In interviews, he expressed enthusiasm for partnering with non-rock talents like and , describing Rahman's grooves and Marley's rootsy rhythms as invigorating, and recounting a lively, alcohol-fueled hotel room session that inspired tracks like "One Day, One Night." This excitement underscored Jagger's commitment to the project's chaotic yet harmonious creative process.

Joss Stone

Joss Stone rose to prominence in the early 2000s as a leading figure in contemporary , debuting at age 16 with the album The Soul Sessions in 2003, a collection of covers that showcased her powerful, emotive voice and drew comparisons to classic soul artists like . The record's success established her as a key voice in reviving soul influences, and her follow-up (2004) earned three Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. In 2007, Stone won her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for her collaboration on "Family Affair" with and , solidifying her position as a soul anchor capable of bridging retro and modern sounds. Stone was recruited to SuperHeavy through Dave Stewart, who contacted her in early 2009 with the idea for a collaborative project and invited her to join sessions already underway with . Enthralled by the diverse lineup—including Jagger's rock edge, Damian Marley's reggae roots, and A.R. Rahman's Indian classical elements—she eagerly participated in the initial studio experiments in , viewing the multicultural mix as an exciting opportunity to expand her artistic horizons. Within SuperHeavy, Stone served as a primary vocalist, delivering powerful lead and harmony parts that infused the group's fusion sound with soulful intensity, notably sharing verses with Marley on the track "," where her rich complemented the reggae-pop . She also co-wrote several songs, contributing to their emotional depth through lyrics that explored themes of unity and resilience, drawing from her own expressive songwriting style honed in prior solo work. In interviews, Stone reflected on the challenges of integrating her soul background with and Indian musical elements, describing the process as a "challenge to blend all these styles together" but one that ultimately enriched the project's global appeal through patient collaboration among . This fusion experiment highlighted her adaptability, allowing her vocals to anchor the diverse influences while maintaining the soulful core that defined her pre-SuperHeavy career.

Dave Stewart

Dave Stewart, a prominent English musician, songwriter, and record producer, co-founded the duo with in the 1980s, achieving global success with hits such as "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)," which topped charts worldwide and defined their innovative sound blending electronic and rock elements. Stewart's production career included collaborations like co-writing and producing Tom Petty's 1985 track "Don't Come Around Here No More," infusing the song with psychedelic influences and elements that marked a departure for Petty's style. After disbanded in 1990, he continued honing his ability to merge diverse musical talents, setting the stage for his pivotal involvement in SuperHeavy. In SuperHeavy, Stewart served as co-creator, , and primary , playing guitar on multiple tracks and contributing to songwriting across the self-titled , including co-authoring songs like "" and "Beautiful People" with the group's other members. Drawing from initial jam sessions in 2009 that sparked the project, he oversaw production during collaborative recordings in various locations, ensuring the album captured the supergroup's eclectic fusion of rock, , , and . Stewart's studio expertise was instrumental in bridging the diverse backgrounds of Mick Jagger's rock legacy, Joss Stone's vocals, Damian roots, and A.R. Rahman's Indian classical influences, fostering an environment where spontaneous creativity flourished. He facilitated extended that formed the core of the album's development, emphasizing an improvisational approach that allowed ideas to evolve organically among the members. As Stewart described the process, "We were just jamming and making a noise… Sometimes would kick it off and then Joss would sing something on top of it." He further highlighted the collaboration's fluid nature, noting, "It was like a huge long that went on for months that then slowly turned into structure," underscoring how his role as the connective force turned raw energy into cohesive songs.

A.R. Rahman

, born Allah Rakha Rahman in 1967, is an acclaimed Indian composer, singer, and music producer renowned for his innovative fusion of classical Indian music with electronic, folk, and Western elements in film scores. He has composed soundtracks for over 100 Indian films, earning international acclaim for works that blend traditional instrumentation with modern production techniques. Rahman's breakthrough came with the 2008 film , for which he won two : Best Original Score and Best Original Song for "Jai Ho." In SuperHeavy, Rahman brought his expertise in cross-cultural soundscapes, incorporating Indian classical elements such as strings and percussion to enrich the group's tracks. He co-wrote songs emphasizing cultural fusion, including the Sanskrit-infused "" and the romantic "Mahiya," both of which highlighted strong Indian influences within the album's diverse stylistic palette. Rahman also contributed vocals to select pieces, adding his distinctive melodic phrasing to the collaborative efforts. His invitation to the project stemmed from Jagger's admiration for Rahman's boundary-pushing compositions. Rahman viewed SuperHeavy as an opportunity to transcend individual egos and explore global musical unity, describing the process as a familial collaboration where each member's distinct influences—spanning rock, reggae, soul, and Indian traditions—merged into cohesive songs. In post-release interviews, he emphasized the historic significance of uniting artists like Jagger, Joss Stone, Damian Marley, and Dave Stewart around Indian cultural motifs, calling it a dream realized in promoting universal harmony through music.

Damian Marley

Damian Marley, the youngest son of reggae icon , rose to prominence in the music industry with his 2005 album , which blended with hip-hop elements and addressed social issues in . The album earned him two in 2006: Best Reggae Album and Best Urban/Alternative Performance. This breakthrough solidified Marley's reputation as a lyrical innovator, carrying forward his father's legacy of conscious music while incorporating modern rap influences. Marley's recruitment to SuperHeavy stemmed from shared interests in musical , with personally inviting him to join the multicultural supergroup. This led to collaborative recording sessions in , among other locations, where the group experimented with diverse sounds. In the project, Marley contributed rapping and singing on several tracks, infusing them with on unity and global issues, while adding rhythms through his , including bassist Shiah Coore. He also co-wrote emphasizing themes of cultural , enhancing the album's eclectic fusion. Marley viewed SuperHeavy as a platform to bridge generational and cultural gaps in music, describing it as "a beautiful thing to see all these different cultures " with an activist spirit that could "open up people’s minds to different things." This aligned with the group's aim to create a global musical , distinct from traditional genre boundaries.

Music and Artistry

Genre and Influences

SuperHeavy's music is characterized by a fusion of rock, , , and , incorporating sub-elements such as Bollywood and hip-hop rhythms. This eclectic blend emerged from the supergroup's deliberate effort to merge diverse stylistic traditions, resulting in tracks that traverse pop-reggae, stadium , and electronic elements. The group's sound drew heavily from the individual backgrounds of its members, creating a multifaceted palette. Mick Jagger infused blues-rock sensibilities rooted in his Rolling Stones experience, while Joss Stone contributed Motown-inspired soul vocals that added emotional depth. Dave Stewart brought synth-pop and electronica influences from his Eurythmics days, providing pulsating production layers. A.R. Rahman incorporated Indian classical and Bollywood orchestration, evident in string arrangements and Urdu vocal flourishes, and Damian Marley introduced roots reggae and dancehall rhythms, evoking Jamaican sound system traditions. Rather than adhering to a single dominant style, SuperHeavy aimed for an international collaborative , with songs developed through extended improvisational jams that allowed each member's ideas to evolve organically. This approach yielded eclectic tracks reflecting global cultural intersections, such as the fusion of Kingston beats with strings, avoiding homogenization in favor of dynamic variety. While reminiscent of earlier supergroups like the Traveling Wilburys in its all-star collaborative spirit, SuperHeavy distinguished itself through a broader international scope, emphasizing cross-continental influences over Western rock-centric harmony.

Songwriting and Recording Process

The songwriting process for SuperHeavy began with improvisational jam sessions initiated by Mick Jagger and Dave Stewart in Los Angeles around 2010, where the group experimented with spontaneous compositions rather than pre-written material. These sessions emphasized live collaboration among all five members, with rotating leadership in creating grooves, lyrics, and arrangements; for instance, A.R. Rahman would often start with a rhythmic foundation, followed by Jagger adding chords and verses, and Stewart suggesting structural changes like key shifts to suit Joss Stone's vocals. Themes of love, spirituality, and social issues emerged organically from these interactions, reflecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of the participants without a dominant "boss" figure, as Jagger noted that "everyone had to subsume their egos to some point." Recording primarily took place during intensive 10-day sessions at Jim Henson Studios in Los Angeles in early 2011, yielding 29 tracks from extended jams totaling around 40 hours of material, which were later edited into the final album. Co-produced by Dave Stewart and A.R. Rahman, the process prioritized live instrumentation—such as guitars, drums, and keyboards—over heavy digital production to capture the raw energy of the group, with songs often completed in one or two takes. Additional overdubs and vocals were recorded in various global locations, including studios in India, the Caribbean, and on Paul Allen's yacht Octopus while sailing around Greece and Turkey, expanding the sessions from March to June 2011. Final mixes were completed by summer 2011.

Discography

Studio Album

SuperHeavy is the eponymous and sole studio album by the supergroup SuperHeavy, featuring Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart, A.R. Rahman, and Damian Marley. Released on September 19, 2011, in Europe and September 20, 2011, in the United States by A&M Records under Universal Music Group, the album captures the collaborative spirit of the diverse ensemble, merging rock, reggae, soul, pop, and world music elements. The album comprises 12 tracks, each co-written by combinations of the group members to showcase their individual strengths and cultural influences. The track listing is as follows:
  1. "SuperHeavy" (written by Jagger, Stone, Stewart, Marley, Rahman)
  2. "Unbelievable" (written by Jagger, Stone, Stewart, Marley, Rahman)
  3. "Miracle Worker" (written by Jagger, Stone, Stewart, Marley, Rahman)
  4. "Energy" (written by Jagger, Stone, Stewart, Marley)
  5. "Satyameva Jayathe" (written by Stone, Marley, Rahman)
  6. "One Day One Night" (written by Jagger, Stone, Stewart, Marley, Rahman)
  7. "Never Gonna Change" (written by Jagger, Stewart)
  8. "Beautiful People" (written by Jagger, Stone, Stewart, Marley, Rahman)
  9. "Rock Me Gently" (written by Stone, Stewart, Marley)
  10. "I Can't Take It No More" (written by Jagger)
  11. "I Don't Mind" (written by Jagger, Stone, Stewart, Marley)
  12. "World Keeps Turning" (written by Jagger, Stewart, Stone, Marley)
These songwriting credits highlight primary contributions from each member, such as Rahman's Indian-inspired composition for "Satyameva Jayathe," where Jagger performs in , and Marley's reggae-infused input on tracks like "Rock Me Gently." The album was collectively produced by the supergroup, with Jagger and Stewart serving as co-producers, and recording sessions occurred across global locations including Henson Recording Studios in Hollywood, Circle House Studios in , and aboard a yacht in the . The artwork and packaging were designed by , incorporating vibrant, eclectic illustrations that emphasize the group's theme of global unity through stylized portraits of the members blended with diverse cultural motifs. No unreleased outtakes or alternate versions from the sessions have been publicly discussed in interviews by the band members.

Singles

SuperHeavy released two official singles from their self-titled debut album in 2011, reflecting the supergroup's limited discographic output as a one-off project. The , "Miracle Worker," was issued on July 7, 2011, as a digital download in AAC format across Europe via SuperHeavy LLC. Promotional efforts included singles distributed in multiple regions, such as the (Universal Records), (Universal ), and ( as an EP), alongside digital availability to build anticipation for the album. A , directed by Paul Boyd, accompanied the release and premiered on August 12, 2011, featuring performance footage of members. The follow-up single, "Beautiful People," followed in September 2011 as a radio promotional release, available primarily as a CD promo in formats like the edition from Universal Music. This track highlighted the group's reggae influences through contributions from and , with no remixes issued. Both singles were distributed digitally via platforms like and included in album bundles, though no standalone vinyl singles were produced; limited vinyl editions were reserved for the full album release. The project's constrained output meant no B-sides or additional non-album singles were released, focusing promotional strategies on radio play and digital accessibility to leverage the supergroup's star power.

Promotional and Live Performances

The supergroup SuperHeavy launched its promotional campaign in mid-2011 with a series of teaser videos posted on YouTube, including clips previewing studio sessions and snippets of tracks to generate buzz for their self-titled debut album. These efforts were complemented by high-profile interviews, such as a July 2011 feature in Rolling Stone where Mick Jagger elaborated on the band's genre-blending origins and collaborative dynamics. Coverage also appeared in The Guardian in May 2011, highlighting the project's inception inspired by diverse global sounds. A dedicated official website, superheavy.com, went live in June 2011, offering fans pre-registration for updates and exclusive content. The band produced music videos to emphasize their multicultural fusion, starting with the official clip for lead single "," directed by Paul Boyd and released in August , which featured the full lineup in performance settings. Additional promotional videos followed for tracks like "Satyameva Jayathe," incorporating elements that reflected the group's , and Indian influences, though specifics on shooting locations were not publicly detailed beyond the album's global recording sites in and . No full tours or live performances materialized, aligning with the supergroup's experimental, one-off concept and the members' packed individual schedules. After the album's September 2011 release, SuperHeavy pursued no additional promotions or activities, solidifying its status as a short-lived without subsequent output.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reviews

Upon its release in 2011, SuperHeavy's self-titled album received mixed critical reception, with reviewers praising its bold attempt at cross-cultural fusion while critiquing its inconsistent execution. AllMusic awarded the album 3.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting its "eclectic energy" derived from blending rock, reggae, Bollywood, and soul elements, and commending the strong vocal chemistry among Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Damian Marley, and A.R. Rahman that created dynamic interplay on tracks like "Miracle Worker." Similarly, The Guardian gave it 3 out of 5 stars, appreciating the ambitious fusion of Jamaican rhythms with Indian orchestral arrangements, as envisioned by Dave Stewart, which aimed to evoke a "Kingston-Mumbai" sound and showcased cultural diversity through multilingual vocals and genre-mashing production. However, several critiques pointed to unevenness and a lack of overall cohesion, often attributing these issues to the challenges of integrating such disparate styles and personalities in a supergroup format. Reviewers frequently observed a sense of imbalance despite efforts to share lead vocals. The project drew comparisons to other ill-fated supergroups, where clashing egos and stylistic conflicts undermined potential, resulting in a "star-studded pointlessness" rather than groundbreaking . Aggregate scores underscored this polarization, with compiling a 52 out of 100 based on 14 reviews—4 positive, 7 mixed, and 3 negative—reflecting divided opinions on the one-off album's experimental spirit versus its structural shortcomings. While some lauded the as a refreshing global dialogue, others faulted the lack of unified vision, positioning SuperHeavy as an intriguing but flawed curiosity in Jagger's extracurricular endeavors.

Commercial Performance

The album SuperHeavy debuted at number 13 on the , spending two weeks in the top 75. In the United States, it entered the at number 26. The "Miracle Worker" achieved a peak of number 136 on the UK sales chart but saw limited mainstream radio , attributed to the project's supergroup novelty. The album performed stronger in —such as reaching number 2 on the German Albums Chart—and compared to the market. The involvement of high-profile artists like generated significant initial buzz upon release, yet the one-off nature of the supergroup constrained its long-term commercial sustainability and repeat sales potential.

Cultural Impact

SuperHeavy's formation exemplified a bold experiment in musical , blending rock, , , and Indian classical elements, which underscored the potential for global fusion in the . The project's emphasis on diverse backgrounds—drawing from Mick Jagger's rock roots, Damian Marley's heritage, Joss Stone's influences, Dave Stewart's pop production, and A.R. Rahman's Indian film scoring—highlighted an inclusive approach to songwriting that prioritized collective creativity over individual stardom. The supergroup's media legacy includes a 2012 documentary titled Superheavy, directed by Chris James Champeau, which captured the recording sessions and interpersonal dynamics among the members, offering insights into Jagger's extracurricular pursuits beyond . While specific soundtrack usages in films or television remain limited, the project's tracks, such as "," have been featured in promotional contexts that emphasize its eclectic sound. In post-release reflections, members expressed appreciation for the experience as a liberating creative outlet. Jagger described the collaboration as "chaotic" yet successful because "everyone subsumed their egos," allowing for spontaneous innovation during sessions. Stone, in a 2015 interview, highlighted her enduring friendship with Jagger forged through SuperHeavy, crediting it with deepening her understanding of soulful expression. Despite these fond recollections, no reunions or revivals have occurred as of November 2025, positioning the band as a singular high point in experimental supergroup endeavors. Overall, SuperHeavy contributed to broader conversations on in music, particularly through its reggae-Indian blends, as seen in tracks like "" where Jagger incorporated vocals. This fusion anticipated increased interest in hybrid genres during the decade, though its direct influence on subsequent projects remains more conceptual than documented.

References

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