Still Rocking at 50

[tweetmeme source=”ChazGunningham” only_single=false] Next year I turn 50. Yes, I know it’s hard to believe dear reader. But who’s older than me? Rolling Stones, that’s who. For 50 years ago  on this very day, at the Marquee Club in London, the ramshackle collection of pulsating testosterone that was Michael ‘Mick’ Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Dick Taylor and Ian Stewart first took to the stage. Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts joined a month or two later. Mick, Keef & Charlie are still rocking and a-rollin to this day, together now with Ronnie Wood of course.

As mentioned previously in this blog, the first album I bought was a Stones album, Some Girls, in 1978. I did not get to see the Stones live until 1990, and only because I happened to be on holiday in the UK, and a sold out Wembley Stadium concert series had to be cancelled due to Keef’s bad finger. They put in a gig at Cardiff Arms Park instead when he was better and I pounced on the opportunity. What a performance. Then in their mid 40s, they pranced around the stage like they owned the place. It was a religious experience.

When asked in the mid 60s how much future the Stones had, Mick replied “Probably a year or two“. I doubted he thought they’d still be packing out stadia well into the next Millenia. When I turn 50 next year, I will be sure to be listening to some Stones in the car or on the headphones.

So – here’s to the Stones; by far and above my favourite band – always has been, always will be. (It’s OK, you can now retire to your islands, lads.)