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January 4 offers a revealing cross-section of Rolling Stones history, capturing the band in moments of formation, recognition, crisis, and reflection. From their scrappy early gigs in English pubs and town halls to academic validation in California, the date charts how quickly the Stones moved from outsiders to cultural touchstones. It also highlights the personal and logistical tensions that followed fame—whether navigating film premieres, immigration barriers, or the weight of global expectations. Decades later, the release of Crossfire Hurricane would look back on these years, framing January 4 not as a footnote, but as a thread running through the band’s evolving legacy.
January 4, 1963: Red Lion Pub, Sutton, England (without Bill and Charlie, with Colin Golding on bass)
Jan. 4, 1964: Town Hall, Oxford, England
Jan. 4, 1968: The University of California announces that students taking music degrees would have to study the music of the Stones, saying they had made an important contribution to modern music.
Jan. 4, 1971: Keith and Anita attend the British premiere of Performance at the Warner West End Cinema, in London.
Jan. 4, 1973: The Stones have been notified that their work permits for Australia have been denied, creating a major obstacle for their highly anticipated Australasian tour. This unexpected development throws the entire tour into uncertainty, as the permits are a critical requirement for their performances in Australia. With plans already in motion and fans eagerly awaiting their shows, this news poses a significant challenge for the band. The denial threatens to disrupt their schedule and could impact their ability to connect with audiences in the region. The Stones are now facing the task of addressing this setback and finding a way to proceed with their tour plans. As one of the most iconic bands of their time, the stakes are high, and their team is likely exploring every possible solution to ensure the tour can continue as planned despite this unforeseen hurdle.
January 4, 2013: Release of the Crossfire Hurricane DVD, a 2-hour documentary featuring footage from 1964 to 1981. Directed by Brett Morgan, this comprehensive look at The Rolling Stones’ early years includes bonus content such as live performances of Satisfaction and I’m Alright from Münster, 1965. Additional features include an interview with the movie director, an insightful “making-of” segment titled The Sound and Music of Crossfire Hurricane, and the official theatrical trailer for the documentary. This DVD serves as a must-have for fans, providing an immersive dive into the band’s history and creative journey during their formative years.
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