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January 9 pops up in Rolling Stones history like a recurring plot twist—quietly decisive, occasionally chaotic, never dull. On this date, Charlie Watts steps away from graphic design and into destiny, cementing the band’s heartbeat. A year later, the Stones grind through double shows in provincial England, still hungry, still climbing. By 1973, rock mythology collides with bureaucracy as Mick Jagger is barred from Japan, proving that borders fear swagger. Fast-forward to videos shot in churches, side projects, surprise jams in São Paulo—January 9 isn’t just a date. It’s a reminder that the Stones’ story keeps rolling, sometimes smoothly, sometimes sideways, always forward.
January 9, 1963: After leaving Blues Incorporated and also his job as a graphic designer, Charlie Watts officially joins the Rolling Stones.
Jan. 9, 1964: Granada Theatre, Kettering, England (2 shows)
January 9, 1973: Mick is refused a Japanese visa on an account of a 1969 drug conviction, causing the Stones to cancel their forthcoming tour in the country, while Australia lifts the ban. The band finally played in Japan for the first time 17 years later.
The Stones faced a major hurdle during their 1973 Pacific tour when Mick Jagger was denied entry into Japan. Authorities cited past drug-related offenses as the reason for rejecting his visa application. This forced the band to cancel their scheduled performances in Japan, creating disappointment among fans eager to see the legendary group live. Despite this setback, the Stones continued their tour in Australia and New Zealand, delivering electrifying performances that solidified their status as rock icons.
The incident highlighted the challenges the band faced due to their rebellious reputation, but it also underscored their resilience in navigating obstacles. Jagger’s visa denial remains a memorable moment in the Stones’ history, showcasing the clash between their rock-and-roll lifestyle and strict legal policies. This controversy only fueled their mystique, keeping fans captivated by their enduring saga on and off the stage.
Jan. 9, 1995: Release of Anthony Thistlethwaite’s CD Cartwheels, with Mick Taylor as guest on four tracks: 1. Cartwheels/ 2. Farming The Right Acres/ 3. Misgrating Bird/ 4. Atlas
Jan. 9, 1995: Right before they started their tour of South America, the Stones shoot a promo video for I Go Wild at the Templo de San Lázaro church in Mexico DF, Mexico, directed by Kevin Kerslake. The filming continues on the next day. *All photos by Fernando Aceves
January 9, 2002: Ronnie Wood jams with local group The Blue Jeans at Bourbon Street Music Club, Sao Paulo, Brazil on two songs: 1. Hideaway/ 2. Miss You
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