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On April 16, 2006, The Rolling Stones turned Auckland’s Western Springs Stadium into a full-throttle rock spectacle during their A Bigger Bang tour, blending timeless classics like Jumpin’ Jack Flash and Satisfaction with newer cuts in a set packed with energy and swagger. Far from a routine stop, the show echoed decades of history in New Zealand, proving the band’s lasting global pull. With electrifying performances and a crowd spanning generations, the night captured the Stones doing what they do best—delivering raw, unforgettable rock ‘n’ roll.
April 16, 2006: Western Springs Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand Jumpin’ Jack Flash/Let’s Spend The Night Together/It’s Only Rock’n Roll/Oh No, Not You Again/Bitch/Ruby Tuesday/Midnight Rambler/Start Me Up/Tumbling Dice/Band introduction/This Place Is Empty/Happy/Miss You/Rough Justice/Get Off Of My Cloud/Honky Tonk Women/Sympathy For The Devil/Paint It Black/Satisfaction/You Can’t Always Get What You Want/Brown Sugar *All photos by Wayne Martin
The Rolling Stones Rock Auckland – April 16, 2006
On April 16, 2006 The Rolling Stones hit the stage at Auckland’s Western Springs Stadium as part of their A Bigger Bang tour—and they didn’t disappoint. Mick, Keith, Ronnie, and Charlie delivered a powerhouse set full of energy, swagger, and that unmistakable Stones sound. Fans of all ages packed the venue, ready to catch one of rock’s most legendary bands live in action. The band tore through mosts of their classics while also mixing in tracks from the then-new album A Bigger Bang. It was a night of pure rock ‘n’ roll magic under the New Zealand sky.
Not Their First Time Down Under, Of Course
The 2006 gig wasn’t The Rolling Stones’ first visit to New Zealand. They first toured the country back in 1965, playing shows in cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch during the early days of their fame. Those initial gigs were wild and chaotic, with screaming fans and packed venues—a real taste of Beatlemania-style madness.
They returned again in 1973 during their Pacific Tour, and once more in 1995 for the Voodoo Lounge tour, proving their staying power and drawing in both old-school fans and new generations. Each stop in New Zealand showed just how global the Stones’ appeal really is.
By 2006, it was clear that time hadn’t dulled their edge one bit. With Keith Richards smiling through riffs and Charlie Watts locking down the groove, the Auckland crowd got a show that felt just as alive and raw as those early days.
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