OTD Rolling Stones Play First US Gig Ever!
Today (6/5) in 1964, The Rolling Stones played their first ever US gig at San Bernadino’s Swing Auditorium. Here’s how it happened and a look at their set list.
The concert promoter booking the venue wanted The Beatles but they were booked.
Shortly after getting turned down by The Fab Four, the booker for the auditorium got a call from someone looking to book a band called The Rolling Stones.
Befoore committing to the booking, the promoter called a friend at a local radio station and asked ‘do you know of a band called The Rolling Stones?’ and his friend said ‘they’re hot!’
Based on that reccomendation, the band was booked.
As you’ll see by their set list, they played mostly covers. All of their hit UK singles, except for one were covers. 4,000 people, most screaming teenage girls, attended the show.
After the band’s 20 minute set, they dropped their instruments and ran to a school bus that was awaiting them (no limos for Mick and the boys this early in their career).
The band did about 10 more US dates as well as some TV appearances on this tour. None of those dates or appearances did much for the band…until…..they released “Satisfcation” in 1965.
Once that song was released, their career skyrocketed.
SET LIST
Not Fade Away(The Crickets cover)
I’m Talking About You (Chuck Berry cover)
I Wanna Be Your Man(The Beatles cover)
Hi-Heel Sneakers(Tommy Tucker cover)
Route 66(Bobby Troup cover)
Walkin’ the Dog(Rufus Thomas cover)
Tell Me
Beautiful Delilah(Chuck Berry cover)
Can I Get a Witness(Marvin Gaye cover)
I Just Want to Make Love to You(Willie Dixon cover)
I’m All Right (Bo Diddley cover)