[www.billboard.com]

I'm a little biased here folks, but I always come back to the 69 tour as their best. Given the prior upheavals they faced (drug busts, death of Brian Jones) and what would soon be the demise of the Beatles, the Stones had a lot to prove on that tour and they exceedingly met the moment.



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 2024-07-12 19:17 by Sighunt.

I go with 1972 - 73 with Nicky, Keys and Price, which I think is the greatest live rock band ever. But, who could quibble with 69-70? Or with the 73 European tour band? Most of us can still remember the first time we heard Brussels 73.

My top 5 has always been:

1. 1972
2. 1969
3. Europe '73
4. 1999
5. 2002

1971 is a bit underrated, the Vegas Stones tour (1989 onwards) are much overrated

Generally I agree with the ranking, though ABB tour seems a tad high, and why no love for the mid 60s?

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treaclefingers
Generally I agree with the ranking, though ABB tour seems a tad high, and why no love for the mid 60s?

I wondered about ABB also. Maybe, according to Billboard, because A Bigger Bang made big bucks, setting another box office record, earning $558.3 in North America? Hard to figure...



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024-07-13 07:25 by Sighunt.

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Sighunt

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treaclefingers
Generally I agree with the ranking, though ABB tour seems a tad high, and why no love for the mid 60s?

I wondered about ABB also. Maybe, according to Billboard, because A Bigger Bang made big bucks, setting another box office record, earning $558.3 in North America? Hard to figure...

Absolutely. ABB: the biggest tour ever... up to then. Musically inept minus nostalgia but impact wise, their biggest ever.

1969 should be number one.

I get why 1972 and 1973 should be 2 and 3, or vice versa. Bridges and Licks absolutely deserve to be up there (can't remember the order). Steel Wheels should be up high for re-inventing the stadium concert etc.

Funny how they lumped ABC together to take one place... or perhaps it's spot on accurate - same show, different year.

Very subjectibe choices.
But it's impossible to choose objectively.
Of course, 69/70 and 72/73 are the top tours but what about 71? or 78?
Well, my favorite tour is 82, because it was my first live experience of the Stones.
But if only I could have been gone to see them 72...

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drbryant
I go with 1972 - 73 with Nicky, Keys and Price, which I think is the greatest live rock band ever. But, who could quibble with 69-70? Or with the 73 European tour band? Most of us can still remember the first time we heard Brussels 73.

I agree.The peak for me is 1972-1973.Their top two tours are 1972 and Europe 1973,unless you want to group all the shows those years as one world tour ..But ofthe Wood era, I love 1989-1990 and 1975.I would put those Wood tours up there in their top five.And of the Jones era, I wish I was able to have heard them live in 1966-1967.Because it’s hard to judge what they sounded like from the live recordings available.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024-07-13 13:04 by Taylor1.

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GasLightStreet

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Sighunt

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treaclefingers
Generally I agree with the ranking, though ABB tour seems a tad high, and why no love for the mid 60s?

I wondered about ABB also. Maybe, according to Billboard, because A Bigger Bang made big bucks, setting another box office record, earning $558.3 in North America? Hard to figure...

Absolutely. ABB: the biggest tour ever... up to then. Musically inept minus nostalgia but impact wise, their biggest ever.

I generally agree with all that but "impact wise, their biggest ever" seems generous - not to conflate "impact" with ticket revenues. I think impact wise, I'd give it to either 1969 and 1989 and probably go with the former.

Though I had the fortune of actually seeing 1989 and that was just amazing...Rolling Stones everything. I still have a few sets of Steel Wheels 3D glasses to be able to watch 2 songs from the full concert they played in 3D, I think it was on Fox. That was a tour.

I agree with Soul Survivor.

I know Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle gets panned somewhat nowadays. Understandably, but at that time, it might have been one of their finest hours with a great setlist covering all eras at that time. Yes, it has not held up as well in comparison to Licks or Voodoo Lounge tours, but without this first all stadium trek, there is no fire breathing cobra on stage for Voodoo.

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treaclefingers

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GasLightStreet

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Sighunt

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treaclefingers
Generally I agree with the ranking, though ABB tour seems a tad high, and why no love for the mid 60s?

I wondered about ABB also. Maybe, according to Billboard, because A Bigger Bang made big bucks, setting another box office record, earning $558.3 in North America? Hard to figure...

Absolutely. ABB: the biggest tour ever... up to then. Musically inept minus nostalgia but impact wise, their biggest ever.

I generally agree with all that but "impact wise, their biggest ever" seems generous - not to conflate "impact" with ticket revenues. I think impact wise, I'd give it to either 1969 and 1989 and probably go with the former.

Though I had the fortune of actually seeing 1989 and that was just amazing...Rolling Stones everything. I still have a few sets of Steel Wheels 3D glasses to be able to watch 2 songs from the full concert they played in 3D, I think it was on Fox. That was a tour.

Impact wise on a tour playing the most $$$ ever, biggest tour ever, however you want to say it, blah blah blah. That's how Billboard is looking at a lot of it.

That tour was unforgiving. It's amazing they survived. They probably would've had better attendance if they'd done less shows. But financially they blew their VOODOO record out considerably.

Which U2 wiped off the map a few years later, financially in show 70 something of 110 - and then attendance, all the records at that point.

Only Taylor Swift has conquered the Stones and U2's record by A LOT - as in, over $1 billion in 60 shows of a 152 show tour. Attendance wise, no way to know yet but supposedly the most ever, which will have to be basically 9 million people.

Which tour had the biggest impact on touring?

1969. Although apparently Cream had done it first, the Stones pioneered the arena tour with a hanging PA, possibly the most important aspect of a live show.

I think the Bang tour would have a better reputation if it ended after the Fall '06 leg, which aside from the Beacon leg was maybe the best run of the entire tour. That was the last tour where they seemed intent on regularly pulling out true rarities (She's So Cold, She Was Hot, Sway), daring covers (Mr. Pitiful, Get Up Stand Up, Night Time is the Right Time), and bombastic stage shows (the moving stage). Not everyone may agree on these being positive factors, but there was a certain level of daringness that they kind of gradually abandoned once they came back in 2012 (with some exceptions). It was also the last tour where Lisa was in prime form, whether that makes a difference.

That tour really didn't start off as any better or worse than most of Licks; some cracks may have been beginning to show, but there are some incredibly strong shows in 2005-06 that are still worth listening to (Hartford, both Giants Stadium shows, MSG in '06, Atlantic City).

Maybe cut out the winter-spring U.S. leg and the disastrous 2007 run, and you have a fine tour with some solid then-new material. I actually don't think it was Keith's injury that caused a musical decline so much as him drinking while on medication during the off-season between 2006 and 2007.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024-07-13 19:45 by SoulSurvivor1990.

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GasLightStreet
1969. Although apparently Cream had done it first, the Stones pioneered the arena tour with a hanging PA, possibly the most important aspect of a live show.

Hanging PA? In 1969? Is it true?
My impression is that it was introduced sometime in the 70s, don’t know exactly when, but later rather than earlier.

FYI, in Japan, it is said that Fleetwood Mac were the first artists who made use of the hanging PA arrangement, at their Budokan concert, December 5, 1977, which dramatically improved the sound in the building known for its poor acoustics.

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RisingStone

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GasLightStreet
1969. Although apparently Cream had done it first, the Stones pioneered the arena tour with a hanging PA, possibly the most important aspect of a live show.

Hanging PA? In 1969? Is it true?
My impression is that it was introduced sometime in the 70s, don’t know exactly when, but later rather than earlier.

FYI, in Japan, it is said that Fleetwood Mac were the first artists who made use of the hanging PA arrangement, at their Budokan concert, December 5, 1977, which dramatically improved the sound in the building known for its poor acoustics.

I swear I read that somewhere from Mick talking about it. I could be wrong but he was a bit up about how they basically brought the whole aspect on.

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RisingStone

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GasLightStreet
1969. Although apparently Cream had done it first, the Stones pioneered the arena tour with a hanging PA, possibly the most important aspect of a live show.

Hanging PA? In 1969? Is it true?
My impression is that it was introduced sometime in the 70s, don’t know exactly when, but later rather than earlier.

FYI, in Japan, it is said that Fleetwood Mac were the first artists who made use of the hanging PA arrangement, at their Budokan concert, December 5, 1977, which dramatically improved the sound in the building known for its poor acoustics.

The Rolling Stones 1969 was groundbreaking in many ways. You have to remember that up until that time, arenas and auditoriums were not suited to rock and roll shows, but largely sporting events that utilized underpowered public address systems. Musical performances were very basic- no staging, no props, and no lighting effects. The Stones (per various articles and essays I've read over the years about the 69 tour), being forward thinkers, hired lighting designer Chip Monck (who designed a stage backlit with lights that changed color to suit the songs mood and concealed speaker towers by draping them in grey cloth). The Stones brought their own PA system and mixing board, and utilized Glyn Johns to run sound and record shows. The Stones also chose their own opening acts like Tina Turner, BB King Chuck Berry and Terry Reid. The Stones wanted to create a spectacle and thereby, in essence created the template for how future rock and roll concerts were run and presented- a model that was soon copied and expanded on by other artists.



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 2024-07-14 03:14 by Sighunt.

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Sighunt

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RisingStone

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GasLightStreet
1969. Although apparently Cream had done it first, the Stones pioneered the arena tour with a hanging PA, possibly the most important aspect of a live show.

Hanging PA? In 1969? Is it true?
My impression is that it was introduced sometime in the 70s, don’t know exactly when, but later rather than earlier.

FYI, in Japan, it is said that Fleetwood Mac were the first artists who made use of the hanging PA arrangement, at their Budokan concert, December 5, 1977, which dramatically improved the sound in the building known for its poor acoustics.

The Rolling Stones 1969 was groundbreaking in many ways. You have to remember that up until that time, arenas and auditoriums were not suited to rock and roll shows, but largely sporting events that utilized underpowered public address systems. Musical performances were very basic- no staging, no props, and no lighting effects. The Stones (per various articles and essays I've read over the years about the 69 tour), being forward thinkers, hired lighting designer Chip Monck (who designed a stage backlit with lights that changed color to suit the songs mood and concealed speaker towers by draping them in grey cloth). The Stones brought their own PA system and mixing board, and utilized Glyn Johns to run sound and record shows. The Stones also chose their own opening acts like Tina Turner, BB King Chuck Berry and Terry Reid. The Stones wanted to create a spectacle and thereby, in essence created the template for how future rock and roll concerts were run and presented- a model that was soon copied and expanded on by other artists.

The biggest thing the Stones were mostly ahead of "everyone" with because they sure were behind with music trends.

Mick hanging out with U2 in 1993 checking out their show and... ha ha - hello B stage with VOODOO LOUNGE and, the best ever, BRIDGES.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024-07-14 03:37 by GasLightStreet.

Any list that has 1981 over 1989 is garbage to me.

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GasLightStreet

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Sighunt

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RisingStone

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GasLightStreet
1969. Although apparently Cream had done it first, the Stones pioneered the arena tour with a hanging PA, possibly the most important aspect of a live show.

Hanging PA? In 1969? Is it true?
My impression is that it was introduced sometime in the 70s, don’t know exactly when, but later rather than earlier.

FYI, in Japan, it is said that Fleetwood Mac were the first artists who made use of the hanging PA arrangement, at their Budokan concert, December 5, 1977, which dramatically improved the sound in the building known for its poor acoustics.

The Rolling Stones 1969 was groundbreaking in many ways. You have to remember that up until that time, arenas and auditoriums were not suited to rock and roll shows, but largely sporting events that utilized underpowered public address systems. Musical performances were very basic- no staging, no props, and no lighting effects. The Stones (per various articles and essays I've read over the years about the 69 tour), being forward thinkers, hired lighting designer Chip Monck (who designed a stage backlit with lights that changed color to suit the songs mood and concealed speaker towers by draping them in grey cloth). The Stones brought their own PA system and mixing board, and utilized Glyn Johns to run sound and record shows. The Stones also chose their own opening acts like Tina Turner, BB King Chuck Berry and Terry Reid. The Stones wanted to create a spectacle and thereby, in essence created the template for how future rock and roll concerts were run and presented- a model that was soon copied and expanded on by other artists.

The biggest thing the Stones were mostly ahead of "everyone" with because they sure were behind with music trends.

Mick hanging out with U2 in 1993 checking out their show and... ha ha - hello B stage with VOODOO LOUNGE and, the best ever, BRIDGES.

Seeing is believing. Does anybody upload a photo of the Stones on stage catching the PA speakers from the 1969 US tour if you have any?

I started to attend a rock concert in mid-70s. I don’t remember when I first saw a hanging PA but I am certain I didn’t see any of its kind in the 70s. My first Budokan concerts were Eric Clapton on October 6 and 7, 1977, just two months before the aforementioned Fleetwood Mac date (I wasn’t there), and I recall PA speakers piled up from the floor on both wings of the stage, which was the standard layout of the gear back in the day, and even into a certain point of the 80s.

If the Stones utilized a hanging PA system as long a way back as in 1969, which is so common on today’s rock concerts, why didn’t it prevail among other musicians for the next 10 years or more? That is my question.

Given that, photos from 1970-73 can also be valid proof. And personal recollections of those who were there. Anyone?

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SoulSurvivor1990
I think the Bang tour would have a better reputation if it ended after the Fall '06 leg, which aside from the Beacon leg was maybe the best run of the entire tour. That was the last tour where they seemed intent on regularly pulling out true rarities (She's So Cold, She Was Hot, Sway), daring covers (Mr. Pitiful, Get Up Stand Up, Night Time is the Right Time), and bombastic stage shows (the moving stage). Not everyone may agree on these being positive factors, but there was a certain level of daringness that they kind of gradually abandoned once they came back in 2012 (with some exceptions). It was also the last tour where Lisa was in prime form, whether that makes a difference.

That tour really didn't start off as any better or worse than most of Licks; some cracks may have been beginning to show, but there are some incredibly strong shows in 2005-06 that are still worth listening to (Hartford, both Giants Stadium shows, MSG in '06, Atlantic City).

Maybe cut out the winter-spring U.S. leg and the disastrous 2007 run, and you have a fine tour with some solid then-new material. I actually don't think it was Keith's injury that caused a musical decline so much as him drinking while on medication during the off-season between 2006 and 2007.

After a couple of disastrous shows in Europe 2007, they did some of their best shows towards the end of the tour (Oslo, Copenhagen).

Very subjective lists of course. The only objective truth is

1. 1972
2. 1973
3. 1975
4. 1966/1967 ish
5. 1969
6. 1971
7. 1978
8. 1965 depending on the setlist. The Last Time and Rooster are up there with their greatest.
9. 1976 uneven but with gems like Hot Stuff
10. 1981 on the good nights



11. 1999 (?)
12. 1995? Maybe?

1973, 1978, 1981, 1995, 1999 and 2024. That´s where I usually end up - records, youtube...

1 1973
2 1971
3 1969
4 1970
5 1972
6 1967
7 1966/65
8 1978

1. 1973
2. 1975
3. 1972
4. 1981
5. 1969
6. 1978
7. 1989

Mathijs

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Mathijs
1. 1973
2. 1975
3. 1972
4. 1981
5. 1969
6. 1978
7. 1989

Mathijs

This is probably the best list.Certainly the best tours.Maybe the order can be quibbled with



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024-07-15 17:35 by Taylor1.

Certain performances certainly make some live shows more interesting to watch than others.

Honky Tonk Women on TEXAS is more interesting than HAMPTON, which is more interesting than GYYYO - which is more interesting than anything else - and that's it. Nothing more (for me).

I loved Shattered in 1994, as well as Monkey Man, Not Fade Away, Tumbling Dice... but overall the tour was a bit of a bore.

But one song does not dictate the importance of a tour.

1. 1969-1971
2. 1973
3. 1978
4. 1972
5. 1989-90
6. 1997-99
7. 2002-03
8. 2024
9. 2017-2021
10. 1981

Based on recorded music only (my first show was in 1990), I would say

1965/66 (the early Stones were it- Already great in 65, the 66 new material made them something else)

1981/82 (on these tours the stones individually never played better and the arrangements where perfection)

1978 (band just as good as in 81/82, but I prefer the set list in 81/82 and the added sax players. Of course Mac is a unique asset of 78)

1969 (my favorite Taylor era live stones)

1975/76 (love the contribution of Ollie Brown, the funk influences, lotus stage)

1971 (looser than 1969, but just a little less energy)

1972-1973 (without doubt some of the greatest performances ever, but they took themselves too seriously and I preferred the earlier Taylor/Richards versions)

1989 - 1990 (great performances, but too stiff and for the first time, the new songs didn't mix well with the old repertoire)



C

Don’t know about 1969, but the 1975 show I saw at Indiana University’s Assembly Hall had all the speakers hanging from the ceiling and a
L of the seats in the arena sold. Mick sang from each petal of the Lotus flower stage. Definitely the first time I had seen speakers hung from the ceiling.

Too many annoying pop-ups on that site… I gave up trying to read it!

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RisingStone

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GasLightStreet

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Sighunt

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RisingStone

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GasLightStreet
1969. Although apparently Cream had done it first, the Stones pioneered the arena tour with a hanging PA, possibly the most important aspect of a live show.

Hanging PA? In 1969? Is it true?
My impression is that it was introduced sometime in the 70s, don’t know exactly when, but later rather than earlier.

FYI, in Japan, it is said that Fleetwood Mac were the first artists who made use of the hanging PA arrangement, at their Budokan concert, December 5, 1977, which dramatically improved the sound in the building known for its poor acoustics.

The Rolling Stones 1969 was groundbreaking in many ways. You have to remember that up until that time, arenas and auditoriums were not suited to rock and roll shows, but largely sporting events that utilized underpowered public address systems. Musical performances were very basic- no staging, no props, and no lighting effects. The Stones (per various articles and essays I've read over the years about the 69 tour), being forward thinkers, hired lighting designer Chip Monck (who designed a stage backlit with lights that changed color to suit the songs mood and concealed speaker towers by draping them in grey cloth). The Stones brought their own PA system and mixing board, and utilized Glyn Johns to run sound and record shows. The Stones also chose their own opening acts like Tina Turner, BB King Chuck Berry and Terry Reid. The Stones wanted to create a spectacle and thereby, in essence created the template for how future rock and roll concerts were run and presented- a model that was soon copied and expanded on by other artists.

The biggest thing the Stones were mostly ahead of "everyone" with because they sure were behind with music trends.

Mick hanging out with U2 in 1993 checking out their show and... ha ha - hello B stage with VOODOO LOUNGE and, the best ever, BRIDGES.

Seeing is believing. Does anybody upload a photo of the Stones on stage catching the PA speakers from the 1969 US tour if you have any?

I started to attend a rock concert in mid-70s. I don’t remember when I first saw a hanging PA but I am certain I didn’t see any of its kind in the 70s. My first Budokan concerts were Eric Clapton on October 6 and 7, 1977, just two months before the aforementioned Fleetwood Mac date (I wasn’t there), and I recall PA speakers piled up from the floor on both wings of the stage, which was the standard layout of the gear back in the day, and even into a certain point of the 80s.

If the Stones utilized a hanging PA system as long a way back as in 1969, which is so common on today’s rock concerts, why didn’t it prevail among other musicians for the next 10 years or more? That is my question.

Given that, photos from 1970-73 can also be valid proof. And personal recollections of those who were there. Anyone?

They first started hanging PA's from the ceiling in 1968 with the Cream tour of USA, then Hendrix and Led Zep did the same in 1969. The Stones followed for the 1969 tour. PA's were much smaller back then, and not all venues were equipped to hang the speakers. So for some shows speakers were still placed on stage, much further wide from the stage were the group would play.

Mathijs