NEW ERA: Netflix to Release Long-Awaited Rolling Stones Documentary on ‘Paint It Black’ Before Year’s End
Netflix has officially announced the release of its long-awaited documentary chronicling the story behind the Rolling Stones’ iconic 1966 hit “Paint It Black.” The streaming giant confirmed today that the documentary, titled “Shades of Black: The Untold Story of Paint It Black,” will premiere globally before the end of 2025.
The film promises to take viewers deep into the creative, cultural, and personal backdrop of one of rock music’s most haunting and revolutionary songs. Produced in collaboration with the surviving members of the Rolling Stones and directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Asif Kapadia (Amy, Senna, Diego Maradona), the documentary is expected to blend never-before-seen archival footage, rare interviews, and newly remastered performances.
An Icon Revisited
Released in May 1966, Paint It Black marked a radical departure for the Rolling Stones, blending Eastern instruments like the sitar with Western rock, and diving headfirst into darker lyrical themes. The song not only topped charts globally but also became a symbol of the psychedelic era and the cultural unrest of the late 1960s.
Netflix’s press release describes the film as a “deep dive into the darkness and brilliance of a track that helped shape a generation.” The documentary will explore how the song was created at RCA Studios in Los Angeles during a tumultuous period for the band—amid rising fame, personal strife, and an evolving political landscape.
Exclusive Insights from the Legends Themselves
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, who co-wrote the track, appear in candid new interviews reflecting on the song’s creation and legacy. Charlie Watts, who passed away in 2021, is also featured through archived conversations, and former bandmate Bill Wyman shares detailed insights on the band’s dynamic during that era.
Viewers will also hear from music historians, cultural critics, and artists influenced by Paint It Black, including Jack White, Billie Eilish, and Trent Reznor. Netflix has hinted at revealing original studio notes, alternate takes of the song, and a previously unheard demo version with a radically different arrangement.
A Cultural Mirror
Beyond the music, Shades of Black will delve into how Paint It Black resonated with the social anxieties of the Vietnam War era. The song’s raw, introspective lyrics and unconventional sound made it a frequent presence in war films and protest movements. The documentary situates the song within the broader cultural revolution of the 1960s, highlighting its enduring impact on both music and society.
Global Release and Fan Excitement
The documentary is set for a worldwide release in December 2025, with limited theatrical screenings in select cities including London, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Fans can also expect a companion digital release of restored performances and an official podcast hosted by music journalist Rob Sheffield.
With anticipation already building across fan communities, Shades of Black is poised to become a definitive portrait of one of rock’s most enigmatic masterpieces.
As Netflix continues to invest in high-caliber music documentaries, this project cements its commitment to preserving and reimagining the legacy of cultural icons for a new generation.
Netflix has officially announced the release of its long-awaited documentary chronicling the story behind the Rolling Stones’ iconic 1966 hit “Paint It Black.” The streaming giant confirmed today that the documentary, titled “Shades of Black: The Untold Story of Paint It Black,” will premiere globally before the end of 2025.
The film promises to take viewers deep into the creative, cultural, and personal backdrop of one of rock music’s most haunting and revolutionary songs. Produced in collaboration with the surviving members of the Rolling Stones and directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Asif Kapadia (Amy, Senna, Diego Maradona), the documentary is expected to blend never-before-seen archival footage, rare interviews, and newly remastered performances.
An Icon Revisited
Released in May 1966, Paint It Black marked a radical departure for the Rolling Stones, blending Eastern instruments like the sitar with Western rock, and diving headfirst into darker lyrical themes. The song not only topped charts globally but also became a symbol of the psychedelic era and the cultural unrest of the late 1960s.
Netflix’s press release describes the film as a “deep dive into the darkness and brilliance of a track that helped shape a generation.” The documentary will explore how the song was created at RCA Studios in Los Angeles during a tumultuous period for the band—amid rising fame, personal strife, and an evolving political landscape.
Exclusive Insights from the Legends Themselves
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, who co-wrote the track, appear in candid new interviews reflecting on the song’s creation and legacy. Charlie Watts, who passed away in 2021, is also featured through archived conversations, and former bandmate Bill Wyman shares detailed insights on the band’s dynamic during that era.
Viewers will also hear from music historians, cultural critics, and artists influenced by Paint It Black, including Jack White, Billie Eilish, and Trent Reznor. Netflix has hinted at revealing original studio notes, alternate takes of the song, and a previously unheard demo version with a radically different arrangement.
A Cultural Mirror
Beyond the music, Shades of Black will delve into how Paint It Black resonated with the social anxieties of the Vietnam War era. The song’s raw, introspective lyrics and unconventional sound made it a frequent presence in war films and protest movements. The documentary situates the song within the broader cultural revolution of the 1960s, highlighting its enduring impact on both music and society.
Global Release and Fan Excitement
The documentary is set for a worldwide release in December 2025, with limited theatrical screenings in select cities including London, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Fans can also expect a companion digital release of restored performances and an official podcast hosted by music journalist Rob Sheffield.
With anticipation already building across fan communities, Shades of Black is poised to become a definitive portrait of one of rock’s most enigmatic masterpieces.
As Netflix continues to invest in high-caliber music documentaries, this project cements its commitment to preserving and reimagining the legacy of cultural icons for a new generation.
