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The Rolling Stones in the press: “Live Concerts Are Like Going to the Pictures Says Charlie!”

*From the Record Mirror, England, October 25 1969

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The Rolling Stones’ 1969 rock concerts marked a turning point in live music, not just for the band but for the entire rock scene. After spending much of the decade dominating the charts, the Stones returned to the stage with a new energy, fueled by the addition of Mick Taylor on guitar and the release of Let It Bleed. Their U.S. tour that year was raw, intense, and full of swagger, capturing the essence of rock ‘n’ roll at a time when the music landscape was shifting.

This was the era when rock concerts became larger-than-life spectacles. The Beatles had stopped touring in 1966, leaving bands like Led Zeppelin, The Who, and Jimi Hendrix to push live performances to new levels. The Stones took this to heart, delivering electrifying shows filled with bluesy jams, extended solos, and Jagger’s unmistakable stage presence. Their Madison Square Garden gigs, later immortalized on Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!, showcased the raw power of their performances.

However, the year ended on a dark note with the Altamont Free Concert in December. Intended as a “West Coast Woodstock,” it spiraled into chaos, with violent clashes and the tragic death of a fan. This stark contrast to the peace-and-love vibe of earlier festivals like Monterey (1967) and Woodstock (1969) marked the end of the ‘60s dream.

The Stones’ 1969 concerts weren’t just about music—they reflected the era’s turbulence and evolution. As bands like The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, and Santana experimented with live shows, the Stones solidified themselves as rock’s reigning kings, setting the stage for the massive stadium tours that would define the next decade. Their 1969 run remains one of the most iconic moments in live rock history.

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