Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!
December 30 is one of those quiet dates that only reveals its meaning when you look twice. It links two very different moments in the Rolling Stones’ story, neither monumental on its own, yet both quietly revealing. One belongs to the hard grind of the early sixties, the other to the ease of a band long past its beginnings.
In 1963, the Stones were playing afternoon gigs, sharing bills, shaping an identity built on rhythm and blues, not legend. Studio 51 was simply another stop. By 2010, the tone had shifted. Ronnie Wood’s Christmas TV appearance felt effortless, signaling permanence.
December 30, 1963: Ken Colyer Jazz Club, Studio 51, London, England. On the same bill were Jimmy Powell and the Five Dimensions, which at the time featured a young Rod Stewart. The Stones played at 4pm and were billed as ‘Rhythm and Blues with The Rolling Stones’. This was their last gig at Studio 51 ever.
December 30, 2010: Vic & Bob’s Shooting Stars Christmas TV special (BBC), which featured Ronnie as one of the show’s guests.
Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!
