Sticky Fingers Tour: The Rolling Stones' UK Journey Before the Move to France
In March 1971, The Rolling Stones embarked on a UK tour ahead of the release of their upcoming album, Sticky Fingers. The band's decision to tour before the album's release was driven by tax considerations, as they were planning to move to France before the start of the new tax year in April. The tour kicked off in Newcastle on March 4 and concluded at London's Roundhouse ten days later.
The Stones' final concert in England before heading to France took place at London's Marquee Club on March 26. The intimate performance was attended by notable figures like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Ric Grech, and Andrew Oldham. A film crew captured the event, providing a glimpse into the band's '71 tour experience.
During the tour and their Marquee Club performance, The Rolling Stones showcased tracks from Sticky Fingers, including "Dead Flowers" and "I Got The Blues." The addition of a horn section featuring Jim Price and Bobby Keys added a funky southern soul vibe to their live performances, enhancing the overall sound.
The band also paid homage to Chuck Berry by including his songs in their setlist, such as "Let It Rock." A standout moment of their performances was the rendition of "Midnight Rambler," a classic that showcased Mick Jagger's vocal prowess and harmonica skills, supported by Keith Richards and Mick Taylor's instrumental contributions.
No Rolling Stones show would be complete without their iconic hit "Satisfaction," which they delivered with a unique twist during the tour. The setlist also featured new songs from Sticky Fingers, including "Bitch" and "Brown Sugar," which closed the performances on a high note.
After the UK tour, The Rolling Stones took a two-year break from performing in Britain, leaving a lasting impression on fans and critics alike. Their dedication to delivering powerful live performances and staying true to their music was evident throughout the tour, solidifying their reputation as one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
Explore The Rolling Stones' music collection on limited edition vinyl and CDs to relive the magic of their iconic performances.