It is now exactly 36 years since Charlie joined the Stones in Jan. `63, making the original group we all love so much complete. Through 1963, 64 and 65 they played live almost every day of the year, and in 63/64 they often played two shows per night, making a total of more than 365 shows per year. By 1966/67 those days were gone, and those times of having the Stones constantly on the road seemed to belong to the 60's only.

The crowd grew from a few hundred in the early 60's, into a few thousand by mid 60's. For the big tours in 69, 71-73 and 75-76 they moved into arena size venues with crowds of 10,000 - 20,000, and by the mega-tours of 78, 81/82, 89/90 and 94/95, we all got used to those massive stadium shows, as well as big fields of 100,000 fans, rain or shine...

Well, it's a pleasure to say that the 60's are back as far as the touring frequency goes. Since the Bridges to Babylon tour started in Chicago Sept. 23, 1997, the Stones have been touring more or less constantly, with only few months of breaks. And with the No Security tour in North America this spring, they are bringing back all the joy of the arena shows from the 70's, into places they haven't played since 1965.

The tour seems to continue all the way into year 2000, so there are still plenty of shows to enjoy. As they now start the new tour in California, it is great to bring back some memories from the shows in San Jose and Sacramento, 1965. Enjoy the shows, and see you soon! ----- Bjørnulf

It's Only Rock'n Roll is a non-commercial, non-profit Stones magazine published quarterly by editor Bjørnulf Vik, Norway.

© The Rolling Stones Fan Club Of Europe 1980-1999. No parts of IORR may be copied or reproduced without permission.

It's Only Rock'n Roll no. 35 - January 1999 - © The Rolling Stones Fan Club Of Europe