The Rolling Stones' 1972 tour, also known as the "Stoned Age" tour, was a pivotal moment in the band's history, marking a turning point in their career and cementing their status as one of the most iconic rock 'n' roll acts of all time. This tour was not just a series of concerts, but a cultural phenomenon that embodied the spirit of the era, with all its excesses and rebelliousness. It was, in the words of many, the wildest rock 'n' roll ride of the century.
The Background and Build-up to the Tour
In the early 1970s, The Rolling Stones were at the height of their powers, having released a string of successful albums, including Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St. These albums showcased the band's evolving sound, which incorporated elements of rock, blues, and country, and demonstrated their ability to craft songs that were both catchy and meaningful. The band had also become notorious for their live performances, which often featured destruction of hotel rooms, partying, and chaotic stage shows.
The 1972 tour was announced in the spring of that year, with dates scheduled across North America and Europe. The band had assembled a new lineup, with Keith Richards and Mick Jagger at the forefront, Charlie Watts on drums, and Bill Wyman on bass. The tour was set to be a massive production, with elaborate stage sets, pyrotechnics, and a crew of roadies and technicians to manage the logistics.
The Tour Begins: A Frenzy of Rock 'n' Roll
The tour kicked off on June 1, 1972, in Montreal, Canada, and immediately set the tone for the rest of the run. The shows were a frenetic mix of music, energy, and chaos, with the band tearing through their setlist of hits and deep cuts. The setlist included songs like Gimme Shelter, Sympathy for the Devil, and Jumpin' Jack Flash, which got the crowds moving and singing along. The performances were marked by Mick Jagger's signature strut and swagger, Keith Richards' innovative guitar playing, and Charlie Watts' propulsive drumming.
| Tour Dates | Locations |
|---|---|
| June 1-4, 1972 | Montreal, Canada |
| June 7-10, 1972 | Detroit, USA |
| June 14-17, 1972 | Chicago, USA |
Key Points
- The Rolling Stones' 1972 tour was a cultural phenomenon that embodied the spirit of the era.
- The tour featured a new lineup, with Keith Richards and Mick Jagger at the forefront.
- The shows were a frenetic mix of music, energy, and chaos, with elaborate stage sets and pyrotechnics.
- The setlist included hits and deep cuts, showcasing the band's musical range and depth.
- The tour was marked by controversy and excess, with hotel rooms trashed and parties getting out of hand.
The Chaos and Controversy
The Rolling Stones' 1972 tour was not without its share of controversy and chaos. The band was known for their wild partying and destruction of hotel rooms, and the 1972 tour was no exception. In Detroit, the band trashed their hotel room, smashing furniture and causing thousands of dollars in damages. In Chicago, they got into a confrontation with the local police, who were not pleased with their antics.
Despite the chaos, the tour was a massive success, with sold-out crowds and rave reviews. The band's music was met with critical acclaim, and their live performances were hailed as some of the best in rock history. The tour grossed millions of dollars, cementing the band's status as one of the highest-paid acts in rock.
The Legacy of the Tour
The Rolling Stones' 1972 tour left a lasting impact on rock music and culture. The tour's excesses and antics became the stuff of legend, inspiring countless stories, books, and films. The band's music continued to evolve, incorporating new sounds and styles, but their live performances remained a benchmark of rock 'n' roll excellence.
The 1972 tour also marked a turning point in the band's career, as they began to explore new musical directions and experiment with different sounds. The tour's success gave them the creative freedom to pursue their artistic vision, resulting in some of their most iconic albums and songs.
What was the Rolling Stones' 1972 tour known for?
+The Rolling Stones' 1972 tour was known for its excesses and antics, including destruction of hotel rooms and chaotic stage shows. The tour was also notable for its elaborate stage sets and pyrotechnics.
What was the setlist for the Rolling Stones' 1972 tour?
+The setlist for the Rolling Stones' 1972 tour included songs like Gimme Shelter, Sympathy for the Devil, and Jumpin' Jack Flash, as well as other hits and deep cuts from their catalog.
How did the Rolling Stones' 1972 tour impact their career?
+The Rolling Stones' 1972 tour marked a turning point in their career, as they began to explore new musical directions and experiment with different sounds. The tour's success gave them the creative freedom to pursue their artistic vision.
In conclusion, the Rolling Stones’ 1972 tour was a pivotal moment in rock history, showcasing the band’s unique blend of musicality, showmanship, and rebelliousness. The tour’s excesses and antics became the stuff of legend, inspiring countless stories, books, and films. The band’s music continued to evolve, incorporating new sounds and styles, but their live performances remained a benchmark of rock ‘n’ roll excellence.
