When the Rolling Stones hit the U.S. in late 1969 for the tour that would end in the ill-fated Altamont festival, photographer Ethan Russell was there. Click here to check out some of his best photographs from that trek from his new book Let It Bleed, including intimate portraits of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, as well as backstage photos of Jagger with opener Chuck Berry and more.

Plus, click here to read Rolling Stone’s 1969 story about the Stones’ U.S. tour, and here to read “Rock & Roll’s Worst Day,” a 1970 story about the aftermath of Altamont.

[Photo: Ethan Russell]