The iconic "Hot Lips" logo of The Rolling Stones, known for its bold and rebellious design, has been a symbol of the legendary band for nearly half a century. Created in 1969 by Jon Pasche, a student at the Royal College of Art, the logo was originally commissioned by Mick Jagger after he felt dissatisfied with the band’s earlier branding. Jagger, looking for a distinctive emblem, visited Pasche's graduation exhibition and quickly selected him for the job. The final design, which included a pair of lips with a tongue sticking out, was completed in just two weeks and debuted on the 1971 album Sticky Fingers.

Known as the "Tongue and Lips" or "Hot Lips" logo, it quickly became synonymous with the Rolling Stones, and its appeal has remained ever since. The logo’s creation was influenced by Jagger’s desire to reflect the image of the Hindu goddess Kali, who is often depicted with her mouth open and tongue out. Pasche later revealed that when he first saw Jagger, the musician's prominent lips and mouth immediately struck him, leading to the conception of the design.

The logo’s design also taps into themes of sexual liberation and anti-authoritarianism, themes that the band embraced. The tongue represents defiance and attitude, qualities central to the Stones’ identity. Despite its bold visual impact, Pasche only received £50 for the initial design, although the band later paid him an additional £200 in appreciation. In later years, the original draft of the logo was sold to the V&A Museum in London for $92,500.

While The Rolling Stones have never created a specific wordmark, their logo has become one of the most recognizable in the world. Originally presented in black and white, the logo was soon adapted to a striking red. Red, being the natural color of lips and tongues, reinforced the symbolism of passion, rebellion, and vitality. Today, the Hot Lips logo remains one of the most enduring and powerful symbols in music history.