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Rolling Stones Mobile Studio

Conceived by Rolling Stones tour manager Ian Stewart and built in 1968, the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio (RSM) was the first ever professional mobile recording studio. 

The mobility of the truck and flexibility of its recording equipment allowed the RSM to capture some of the most iconic rock ‘n’ roll records of all time. The RSM is even referenced in the Deep Purple song “Smoke on the Water,” which tells the story of how the mobile studio was almost destroyed by a casino fire when the band recorded in Montreux, Switzerland.

Acquired by NMC in 2001, the RSM has since been restored and is now parked next to the King Eddy stage, a historic live music venue, where it can record directly from the stage or connect to any of Studio Bell’s unique live rooms.

“The Rolling Stones Mobile Studio is unquestionably the Sistine Chapel of rock ‘n’ roll.”

— John Leimseider, late Electronics Technician at the National Music Centre


How to see the RSM

Take a look at music history — the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio is visible through a large window along 9th Ave beside the King Eddy entrance.

Although the RSM is not regularly accessible to the public, there are a few exclusive ways you can explore this historic recording studio! Book a Backstage Pass guided tour, available every second Sunday at Studio Bell, or stay tuned to the King Eddy's website for upcoming RSM Listening Parties.


What’s Inside


Albums Recorded Using the RSM

Many legendary albums were recorded using the RSM, including: 

  • Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main Street– The Rolling Stones
  • Zeppelin III and Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin
  • Machine HeadBurn, and Live in Europe – Deep Purple
  • Penguins and Mystery to Me – Fleetwood Mac
  • Live! – Bob Marley and The Wailers
  • Alchemy: Dire Straits Live – Dire Straits
  • Harvest – Neil Young
  • Live in Italy – Lou Reed