10 memorable The Rolling Stones live performances

Virgin Radio

15 Mar 2022, 09:00

Credit: Getty

With news that The Rolling Stones will be going on tour once again and treating us with new music, what better way to celebrate than to look back at some memorable performances from the band?

Yesterday was a great day for Stones fans, after the band announced dates for their 60th anniversary tour and hints they would be releasing new music.

So to get us in the mood, we’re looking back at some standout gigs from the iconic rockers.

Of course, the Rolling Stones have done thousands if not millions of live performances and it’s pretty impossible to include all of their best ones, but here are just a few that stick in our minds.

So, in no particular order:

All Down The Line, Texas (1972)

Taken from their 1972 album Exile on Main St., this live performance of 'All Down The Line' is everything you want from a Rolling Stones live performance- Mick Jagger in an incredible outfit, Keith in a world of his own on the guitar and Mick Taylor performing a killer riff as if it was nothing.

Dead Flowers, Marquee Club London, (1971)

As part of the From The Vault series, this performance of 'Dead Flowers', taken from the album Sticky Fingers, sees the Stones back in the venue of their very first gig only nine years later.

I’m Free, Hyde Park, (1969)

Hyde Park is one of the most memorable Rolling Stones performances in their entire career. It was their first public concert in over two years, and marked guitarist Mick Taylor’s debut for the band. Former member Brian Taylor sadly passed away two days before the festival, but the Stones decided to go ahead with the gig and dedicate their performance to him.

Wild Horses with Florence Welch, London Stadium, (2018)

When two great vocalists of two different generations come together to create a rare moment of musical magic, it’s pretty hard to forget. That is exactly what happened when the Rolling Stones were joined by Florence + The Machine lead singer, Florence Welch, for an incredible rendition of their 1971 hit.

Miss You, Hyde Park, (2013)

This performance came as part of the band's 50th anniversary gig at Hyde Park, which is also 44 years after they first performed at the venue. What this live show proves is that the Rolling Stones can stand the test of time both with their music and stage presence.

Paint It Black, Ed Sullivan show, (1966)

At this point the Rolling Stones had secured their first number one hit in the U.S and you can tell how their fanbase had grown in the country by the screams of the audience. Not to mention Brian Jones made playing a Sitar look so cool.

You Can't Always Get What You Want, Twickenham, (2003)

This performance came at the end of the band's Licks tour and you can tell they are so happy to be back in front of their home crowd. When Mick gets the audience to sing the chorus back to him, it gives us chills.

Start Me Up, Copacabana Beach, (2006)

The Rolling Stones' performance as Copacabana Beach has gone down as one of the biggest free concerts in history, with 1.5 million people in attendance. So, it's no wonder the crowd was so electric, and earning this gig a place on the list.

Midnight Rambler, Steel Wheels, (1989)

The Steel Wheels Tour was huge return to live shows for the Rolling Stones, who had been absent for most of the 80s- making it the longest break they had undertaken by that point. It was also to be their last with Bill Wyman.

(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, Hampton, (1981)

You can't have a list of The Rolling Stones' most memorable performances and not include this gem. The band were just closing the concert when a fan charged on stage towards Mick Jagger. Before he could get to him, however, Keith Richards turned around and gave him a smack with his guitar before returning to his performance as if nothing happened.