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The Rolling Stones’ Historic 1966 Major Belgian Debut
March 27, 1966, marked a milestone in Rolling Stones history: their first major concert in Belgium, held in Schaarbeek. While the band had briefly visited before, in 1964 for a television appearance at the American Theater in Tienerklanken, this was their first real performance for a large audience. At the time, the Stones were already infamous for their rebellious image, cemented just months prior by a rowdy show in the Netherlands where fans destroyed the venue. Their reputation as rock ‘n’ roll troublemakers was well established.
A Legendary Arrival: The Rolling Stones Take Schaarbeek by Storm
The anticipation for their Schaarbeek performance was electric, and the record company didn’t miss a beat in ensuring the event matched the band’s growing legendary status. The Stones arrived in style, landing by helicopter at Noordwijk before being escorted in limousines, flanked by bodyguards, to the sports palace. A photographic exhibition by Herman Selleslags now commemorates that unforgettable night.
When the Stones Shook Schaarbeek: A Belgian Turning Point
Though their Brussels 1966 concert wasn’t their most electrifying performance musically, it marked a pivotal moment in The Rolling Stones’ evolution—from gritty blues interpreters to true rock legends with a growing catalogue of original material. That night, they performed (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, their first major international hit, foreshadowing the release of Aftermath, their first LP composed entirely of Jagger/Richards songs and still considered one of their finest.
Belgium, unlike its neighboring countries, hadn’t yet experienced the full force of Stones-induced hysteria. The crowd remained relatively calm and composed, with police presence more symbolic than necessary. Still, the band made sure to preserve their aura of aloof rebellion. Photographer Herman Selleslags, hoping to document the moment backstage, was initially blocked—until he finally gained access, capturing rare and intimate images of a band on the brink of worldwide domination. That night, Schaarbeek got a glimpse of what was to come.
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