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Today in Rolling Stones history: May 2

*Click for DAILY ROLLING STONES CHRONOLOGY 1962-present

May 2 has a habit of showing up repeatedly in Rolling Stones history like it owns a backstage pass. From chart-topping dominance and early international breakthroughs to chaotic tours, awards nights, surprise collaborations, and the occasional very public reminder that rock life is not exactly a spa retreat, the date keeps resurfacing with a strange sense of drama. Rolling Stones chronology May 2 reads less like a calendar entry and more like a highlight reel that refuses to sit still, mixing success, spectacle, and a bit of chaos that somehow just works for a band that never really did ordinary.

May 2, 1964: Spa Royal Hall, Bridlington, England

May 2, 1964: The Stones self-titled first album The Rolling Stones starts a 12-week run at No.1 on the UK charts. The band actually spent a total of 51 weeks on the chart. It was also on this day that the Stones made their first appearance on the US singles charts with their cover version of Not Fade Away, which entered it at No.98.

May 2, 1976: Ostseehalle, Kiel, West Germany
Honky Tonk Women/If You Can’t Rock Me-Get Off Of My Cloud/Hand Of Fate/Hey Negrita/Ain’t Too Proud To Beg/Fool To Cry/Hot Stuff/Star Star/You Gotta Move/You Can’t Always Get What You Want/Band introduction/Happy/It’s Only Rock’n Roll/Midnight Rambler/Brown Sugar/Jumpin’ Jack Flash/Street Fighting Man

May 2, 1978: The Stones shoot videos for the songs Miss You, Far Away Eyes and Respectable in New York City, all playback with live vocals, and all directed by Michael Lindsay Hogg. Later on, In the evening, Bianca Jagger’s birthday is celebrated at Studio 54, where the band is joined by Liza Minnelli, Truman Capote, Ryan O’Neal, and others.

May 2, 1991: receive a career achievement award on behalf of the band, accepted by Bill Wyman and Ron Wood at the Ivor Novello Awards in London, England.

May 2, 2001: Release of the Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings‘ CD Bootleg Kings – Ride Again (actually a tour souvenir album)

Formed as a passion project, Wyman’s Rhythm Kings the band unexpectedly gained strong popularity in the UK and Europe thanks to their vibrant live shows and top-level musicianship. The album features nine tracks—mostly from the 2000 British tour, plus one from 1999—and showcases a highly experienced lineup. Gary Brooker, Georgie Fame and Albert Lee lead the vocals and key instruments, supported by Janice Hoyte and Beverley Skeete on vocals, Martin and Terry Taylor on guitars, Nick Payn and Frank Mead on horns, Henry Spinetti on drums, and Wyman on bass, with Graham Broad guesting on one track.

May 2, 2006: Keith is released from from hospital in New Zealand after suffering what doctors described as a “mild concussion” following a fall from a coconut tree while vacationing in Fiji. The incident occurred during a break in the Stones’ tour, and Richards was quickly airlifted to Auckland’s Ascot Hospital for precautionary observation. While there, he underwent a series of tests, including a brain scan, to ensure there was no serious damage. Thankfully, the scan showed no major injury, and Richards was reported to be in good spirits. His condition was monitored closely by medical staff before he was discharged. Despite the scare, the legendary guitarist maintained his trademark humor, joking about the fall and reassuring fans that he was on the mend.

May 2, 2014: Mick leads a memorial service for his former girlfriend L’Wren Scott at St. Bartholomew’ Church in Manhattan, New York, where he sings Bob Dylan’s Just Like a Woman. Keith and Ronnie also attend.
After a long period of depression, Scott was found dead in her Manhattan apartment in the Chelsea neighborhood on March 17, 2014 by her assistant. Police reported no suicide note and no signs of foul play. The New York City Chief Medical Examiner later ruled her death a suicide.

May 2, 2024: ‘Jazz & Heritage Festival’, The Fairgrounds, New Orleans, LA, USA (No Charlie)
Start Me Up/Get Off Of My Cloud/Out Of Time/Angry/Let It Bleed/Time Is On My Side*/Whole Wide World/Tumbling Dice/You Can’t Always Get What You Want/Band introduction/Little T&A/Sympathy For The Devil/Honky Tonk Women/Miss You/Gimme Shelter/Paint It Black/Jumpin’ Jack Flash/Sweet Sounds Of Heaven/Satisfaction
*With guest Irma Thomas
*All photos from the IORR site

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