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!
The Rolling Stones live in Auckland 1973
By 1973 The Rolling Stones had turned live performance into a language of power, excess, and instinct—and Auckland was about to feel it firsthand. When the band arrived, the city became a pressure point where anticipation, volume, and attitude collided in real time. This moment captures the Stones in full command of their image and sound, translating global dominance into a raw local experience. Songs from Exile on Main St., Sticky Fingers and Goats Head Soup weren’t just performed for New Zealand audiences—they were unleashed. What followed wasn’t simply a concert, but a snapshot of the Stones at their most dangerous and confident, proving their reach extended far beyond geography.
February 11, 1973: Western Springs Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand Brown Sugar/Bitch/Rocks Off/Gimme Shelter/Happy/Tumbling Dice/ Love In Vain/Sweet Virginia/You Can’t Always Get What You Want/All Down The Line/Midnight Rambler/Rip This Joint/Jumpin’ Jack Flash/Street Fighting Man *All photos by Lloyd Godman
The Rolling Stones Rock Auckland during their Pacific Tour, 1973
In 1973 The Rolling Stones brought their raw, electrifying energy to Auckland, New Zealand, as part of their legendary Pacific Tour 1973. This tour, which also hit Australia, was packed with wild performances, rock ‘n’ roll chaos, and the band at their peak.
By this time, the Stones had fully embraced their bad-boy image, with Mick Jagger commanding the stage in glam-inspired outfits, Keith Richards oozing cool with every riff, and the rest of the band locked into a tight, hard-hitting groove. The setlist featured classics from Exile on Main St., Sticky Fingers, and Goats Head Soup.
Auckland fans got to witness one of rock’s greatest acts in their prime, and the show didn’t disappoint. The band was on fire, tearing through their set with raw intensity. As always, the Stones’ tour antics made headlines—this was the era of excess, and the band lived up to their reputation both on and off stage.
While footage from the 1973 tour is scarce, the excitement and intensity of those performances still live on in the memories of devoted fans. The Auckland show captured The Rolling Stones at their rawest and most powerful, embodying the rebellious spirit of rock and roll. It was a defining moment in their history—full of energy, attitude, and untamed passion—when the band was at its peak, and rock music dominated the world. Even without many recordings, the impact of that night remains unforgettable for those lucky enough to witness it firsthand.
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!
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:
Cookie Policy
Subscribe to the Stones Data newsletter and get all daily posts delivered to you for free. Everybody got to go! *Support this site and help us keep sharing great content. Thanks in advance!
