The birth of arena rock

Until the Rolling Stones’ 1969 US tour, the loudest thing at big-capacity shows was often the crowd, as anyone who’s heard the long-deleted Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl LP knows. In fact, a key reason for the Beatles’ decision to stop touring in 1966 was their frustration at being unable to hear themselves on stage, because of the inadequate amplification. So when the Stones announced their first jaunt round the States since 1966, they decided to do it properly.

Chip Monck was commissioned to come up with a lighting and sound system that would allow the Stones to be seen and heard in the biggest arenas; the Stones’ management was ruthless in securing the best possible contracts from promoters. The combination of front-of-house excellence and behind the scenes savvy took the business of touring to an entirely new level, and turned it into a much better experience for the fans. Visitors to the O2 benefit from the Stones’ breakthroughs… read more >

Showco Sound 1970 Vintage Men’s T-Shirt