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Today in Rolling Stones history: January 29

*Click for DAILY ROLLING STONES CHRONOLOGY 1962-present

January 29 stands as a surprisingly rich date in Rolling Stones chronology, linking raw 1960s TV rebellion, deep blues reverence, post-9/11 solidarity, and full-scale stadium power. From their defiant Big Beat ’65 appearance in Australia—hosted by Roy Orbison—to Keith Richards honoring blues pioneer Johnnie Johnson in the studio decades later, the date traces the band’s evolving roots and reach. Add an emotional New York City benefit DVD and a thunderous 2006 Omaha setlist, and January 29 becomes a perfect snapshot of how the Rolling Stones move through eras without ever losing their core.

January 29, 1965: Palais Theatre, St. Kilda, Australia (3 shows)

Jan. 29, 1965: The Stones appear on the Australian TV show Big Beat ’65, hosted by no one but the great Roy Orbison, and tear through four songs in a sharp, no-nonsense performance. Still raw, still hungry, they look slightly out of place on polite television—and that’s exactly the point. It’s a great snapshot of the band mid-invasion: bluesy, confident, and already miles ahead of the format.
Walking The Dog/ Heart Of Stone/ Little Red Rooster/ Around And Around

January 29-30, 1991: Keith Richards steps into the producer’s chair for two tracks by legendary pianist Johnnie Johnson at Sorcerer Sound Studios in New York, cutting Tanqueray and Key to the Highway. The sessions were loose, blues-soaked, and rooted in deep mutual respect. On Key to the Highway Keith also took on lead vocals, sounding relaxed and lived-in rather than showy. Both recordings later appeared on Johnson’s Johnnie B. Bad album, released in June, once again reaffirming the Stones’ debt to their blues elders.

Johnnie Johnson, the influential blues and boogie-woogie pianist, played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of early rock’n’roll. Born on July 8, 1924, in Fairmont, West Virginia, Johnson’s virtuosic piano skills made him a sought-after musician. In 1952, he formed his own band, the Johnnie Johnson Trio, which fatefully hired a young guitarist named Chuck Berry to fill in one New Year’s Eve. This partnership blossomed into one of the most iconic collaborations in music history.

Johnson’s piano work was integral to many of Berry’s legendary hits, including Roll Over Beethoven, Sweet Little Sixteen, and Johnny B. Goode. His dynamic style combined blues roots with a rhythmic drive, laying the groundwork for rock ‘n’ roll’s explosive rise. Despite his contributions, Johnson remained largely uncredited for years, a reflection of the era’s inequities.

In the 1980s, thanks to the resurgence of interest in early rock pioneers, Johnson returned to the spotlight, releasing solo albums and earning recognition as a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee in 2001. Often referred to as “the father of rock’n’roll piano,” Johnnie’s legacy endures as a testament to his immense talent and foundational impact on modern music.

Jan. 29, 2002: DVD release of The Concert for New York City, which captured a historic charity event held in support of the victims of September 11, 2001. Recorded at Madison Square Garden, the show brought together major artists in a powerful display of solidarity. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards appeared together for two songs, offering a brief but emotionally charged Stones presence. Their performance stood as a tribute to resilience and unity, echoing the city’s determination to endure and rebuild.
1. Miss You/ 2. Salt of the Earth

January 29, 2006: Qwest Center, Omaha, NE, USA
Jumpin’ Jack Flash/It’s Only Rock’n Roll/She’s So Cold/Rough Justice/Bitch/ As Tears Go By/Rain Fall Down/Tumbling Dice/Gimme Shelter/Band introduction/This Place Is Empty/Happy/Miss You/Oh No, Not You Again/Get Off Of My Cloud/Honky Tonk Women/Sympathy For The Devil/Start Me Up/Brown Sugar/You Can’t Always Get What You Want/Satisfaction

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