The mid-1960s was a transformative time for music in this country when rock ‘n’ roll transcended borders and crossed into hearts and minds of young people, writes Claire Keogh as she recalls when …

 

In the tumultuous world of rock and roll, few bands have captured the hearts and souls of fans quite like The Rolling Stones. The 60th anniversary of their journey through Ireland in January, 1965, marked a pivotal moment in their storied career and a defining moment for Irish music culture.

As the new year dawned, The Stones were already known for their rebellious image and gritty, blues-inspired sound. Still catching up to the global phenomenon of rock music, Ireland eagerly awaited their arrival for an unforgettable tour.

The band’s first show occurred on January 6th at Belfast’s ABC Theatre, a hot spot for emerging rock acts. Amidst the frenzied buzz of anticipation, The Stones took the stage and instantly ignited the crowd with their raw energy and undeniable talent.

For many Irish fans, it was their first taste of a live performance from a major rock band. From there, The Stones travelled to Dublin’s Adelphi Theatre for two shows before making their way to the Savoy Theatre in Cork for two more performances.

Despite the short duration of each concert (only thirty minutes), the impact was immense. The setlist featured a mix of original songs and covers like Route 66, Off the Hook, Everybody Needs Somebody to Love, and Pain in My Heart.

It was an electrifying blend of traditional rhythm and blues infused with a modern edge that only The Stones could deliver.
January 1965 was a turning point not just for The Rolling Stones’ career but also for the landscape of Irish music. It was a transformative time when rock ‘n’ roll became more than just a genre; it became a cultural movement that transcended borders and crossed into hearts and minds worldwide.

After their raucous performance in Belfast, The Rolling Stones embarked on a tour of Ireland, thrilling audiences with their energetic shows. The journey began at Dublin’s Adelphi Theatre on January 7, where the band played two electrifying sets. The following day, they brought their music to the Savoy Theatre in Cork for another set of back-to-back performances.

Peter Whitehead’s documentary Charlie Is My Darling captured the tour on film. This behind-the-scenes look at life on the road revealed the frenzy of fan adoration that awaited the band wherever they went. Irish fans were particularly fervent, mobbing hotels and chasing after cars just to catch a glimpse of their idols.

Later that same year, The Rolling Stones returned to Ireland for another round of concerts, this time in September. Playing two shows at both the Adelphi Theatre in Dublin and the ABC Theatre in Belfast, the atmosphere was even more electric than before. It was further fuelled by the release of their chart-topping hit (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, which had been dominating airwaves since its debut earlier in the summer.

Continue reading in this week’s Ireland’s Own