On July 12, 1962, a little-known blues band took the stage at the Marquee Club in London, unknowingly marking the beginning of one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll legacies in history. The Rolling Stones, then a raw and energetic group of young musicians, made their live debut, setting the foundation for a career that would span decades and define a genre.
The Lineup That Started It All
The original lineup featured:
- Mick Jagger – Vocals
- Keith Richards – Guitar
- Brian Jones – Guitar
- Dick Taylor – Bass (later replaced by Bill Wyman)
- Mick Avory – Drums (who would soon leave and later join The Kinks; Charlie Watts joined in 1963)
At the time, the band was deeply influenced by American blues and R&B, covering songs by legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Chuck Berry. Their name, The Rolling Stones, came from Muddy Waters’ song “Rollin’ Stone.”
The Marquee Club Gig
The performance was booked by guitarist Brian Jones, who had been pushing to get the band gigs around London. The Marquee Club, a hotspot for jazz and blues, was the perfect venue for their gritty, high-energy sound. Though the crowd was modest, the band’s passion and Jagger’s dynamic stage presence hinted at something special.
The Birth of a Legend
While this first show didn’t make headlines, it was the spark that ignited the Stones’ journey. Within a year, they would replace their rhythm section with Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts, sign a record deal, and release their first single, a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Come On.” By 1964, they were rivals to The Beatles, bringing a rougher, sexier edge to rock music.
Legacy of That Night
Over 60 years later, The Rolling Stones are still touring, with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood (who joined in 1975) keeping the spirit alive. That first show at the Marquee Club was just the beginning—a small step that led to a revolution in music.
Fun Fact: The exact setlist from that night is lost to history, but it likely included blues standards like “Bright Lights, Big City” (Jimmy Reed) and “Dust My Broom” (Elmore James).
The Stones proved that night that rock ‘n’ roll wasn’t just a trend—it was a movement. And they were just getting started.
“It’s only rock ‘n’ roll, but we like it.” – The Rolling Stones
REF – newshub finance
Recent Comments