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Rolling Stones quotes: Keith Richards on touring with Bo Diddley in 1963 (2008)

In 1963, The Rolling Stones were just a scrappy London club band, sweating it out in pubs and tiny venues—but a mid-July trip to Middlesbrough changed everything. That first step beyond their hometown bubble, performing at the Alcove Club, sparked a momentum that propelled them on a two-and-a-half-month UK tour to promote their debut single Come On. By August, the track hit No. 20 on the NME chart, proving the band was more than local talent. Landing a spot on a major tour with The Everly Brothers and Bo Diddley, the Stones got a masterclass in performance and stagecraft that set the stage for their legendary rock and roll rise.

“Watching Bo Diddley was university for me. Every set was twenty minutes long in those days. When he came off, if he had two strings left on the guitar, it was a fucking miracle. The Duchess was there, and Jerome Green, with the maracas in each hand. It was my job to be Jerome’s minder. I used to fetch him from the pub. You’re on, mate.”

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From Small Clubs to Big Dreams

In the summer of 1963 The Rolling Stones were still cutting their teeth as a London club band, playing sweaty pubs and underground venues, barely beyond the city’s edges. Everything shifted in mid-July when they packed into an old van and drove over 250 miles to Middlesbrough, performing at the Alcove Club—their first real step outside their local bubble. That short trip sparked a momentum that would define their early career. Within weeks, they launched a two-and-a-half-month UK tour, hitting clubs and ballrooms to promote their debut single Come On. TV appearances helped, but the tireless grind of the road was what built their following. By August’s end, Come On had reached No. 20 on the NME chart, signaling that these young Londoners were more than just another pub band—they were on the cusp of stardom, ready to take rock and roll by storm.

Landing a dream tour

Before the Stones could even catch their breath, co-manager Eric Easton secured a spot on a major autumn package tour alongside the chart-topping The Everly Brothers and rock pioneer Bo Diddley. Brian Jones expressed the excitement: “This is a wonderful break for us. We’re looking forward to meeting the American duo. London doesn’t get enough attention these days, but we hope to change that!”

Sharing the stage with their idol

The tour kicked off on September 29, 1963, at London’s New Victoria Theatre. The Stones weren’t just thrilled by bigger venues—they were about to share the bill with one of their heroes, Bo Diddley. In tribute, they even removed all Diddley covers from their setlist, showing respect while stepping into rock and roll history. For these young musicians, the experience wasn’t about competition; it was a masterclass in performance, inspiration, and the kind of early momentum that would shape a legendary career.

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