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Today in Rolling Stones history: April 26

*Click for DAILY ROLLING STONES CHRONOLOGY 1962-present

April 26 stands out as a surprisingly rich date in Rolling Stones history, linking smoky club beginnings, superstar stages, courtroom headlines, massive stadium shows, and deep musical friendships. From sharing bills with pop royalty at Wembley in 1964 to Keith Richards joining Etta James in New York, the day captures the band’s restless evolution. It also marks collectible releases, unforgettable Toronto performances, and ties to country icon George Jones. Few calendar dates reveal The Rolling Stones’ journey so clearly—raw roots, global fame, and lasting influence all in one remarkable timeline.

April 26, 1963: Star And Garter Pub, Ricky Tick Club, Windsor, England

April 26, 1964: NME Pollwinner’s Concert, Empire Pool, Wembley
Not Fade Away/I Just Want To Make Love To You/I’m Alright

On April 26, 1964, Wembley’s Empire Pool turned into pop music’s center stage, featuring what many hailed as the finest collection of stars ever assembled. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Cliff Richard, and more all featured, with Elvis Presley sending warm recorded thanks and congratulations.

April 26, 1965: Treasure Island Gardens, London, Canada

Apr. 26, 1982: Keith joins Etta James on Rock Me Baby at The Other End, New York City. Ronnie Wood was present at the place as well, but he didn’t play.

Jamesetta Hawkins, better known as Etta James, was an American singer and songwriter who launched her career in 1954 and often performed in Nashville’s R&B venues, part of the famous Chitlin’ Circuit during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.

April 26, 1988: The jury considers Mick is not guilty of plagiarism after being sued by Patrick Alley, a Jamaican reggae singer.
Read: No Satisfaction for Songwriter: Jagger Not Guilty (1988)

Apr. 26, 1998: Skydome, Toronto, ON, Canada
Satisfaction/Let’s Spend The Night Together/Flip The Switch/Gimme Shelter/Memory Motel/It’s Only Rock’n Roll/Saint Of Me/ Out Of Control/Love In Vain/Miss You/Band introduction/Thief In The Night/Wanna Hold You/Little Queenie/You Got Me Rocking/Like A Rolling Stone/Sympathy For The Devil/Tumbling Dice/Honky Tonk Women/Start Me Up/Jumpin’ Jack Flash/You Can’t Always Get What You Want/Brown Sugar

April 26, 2011: Release of the 45-CD (one for each single) compilation box set The Singles (1971-2006)

The Singles (1971–2006) features 45 classic singles released over 35 years. It includes original artwork, forgotten tracks and most of the band’s iconic hits. Definitely a must-have for collectors and fans of the band’s post-‘60s evolution and sound!

April 26, 2013: Death of country legend George Jones. Keith played in the Jones’ album The Bradley Barn Sessions (1994, sharing vocals and playing guitar on Say It’s Not You) and then in 2008 on Burn Your Playhouse Down (guitar and vocals on the album title song)

Keith Richards has long admired George Jones, calling him one of the greatest country singers ever. Their mutual respect highlights Keith’s love for classic country music. Jones’ raw emotion and vocal style influenced Keith’s approach to songwriting and performance, especially in slower Stones tracks with a country or honky-tonk vibe.

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