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The Rolling Stones in the press: “Slaves of Rhythm”
The Rolling Stones’ 1975 U.S. tour is (the Tour of the Americas, aka T.O.T.A., as it was originally planned to hit Latin America too, which finally didn’t happen until 20 years later), is remembered as one of the most legendary and tumultuous tours in rock history. The band was at the peak of their popularity, also facing personal and internal struggles, and the first one featuring “new boy” Ronnie Wood following the departure of guitarist Mick Taylor the year before.
The tour, which began in June 1975, featured 52 performances across the United States, including multiple shows in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The setlist showcased classic hits, as well as tracks from Sticky Fingers and their earlier albums. The energy and charisma of Mick Jagger, along with the raw guitar work of Keith Richards, captivated fans throughout the tour, solidifying their reputation as the greatest rock band in the world.
However, the 1975 tour was not without controversy. The band’s tumultuous relationships, drug use, and clashes with promoters made headlines. Despite these challenges, the tour was a commercial success, with many shows selling out quickly. It was also the first tour to feature the Stones’ newly redesigned stage setup, which included a massive, imposing stage with elaborate lighting and sound systems.
The 1975 Tour of the Americas is often seen as the last true “major” Rolling Stones tour of the 1970s, followed 3 years later by another American tour after the release of the Some Girls album, as it was followed by years of changing band dynamics and evolving musical direction. It left a lasting impact on rock and roll, cementing the Stones as one of the most enduring and influential bands in history. Slaves to rock’n’roll?
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Stones Data on Substack
