SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — They’ve been one of the world’s biggest rock ‘n’ roll bands for over half a century and over the many years of their illustrious career, The Rolling Stones have made several stops in San Diego. They’ve played venues all over town for adoring fans and the CBS 8 archives have footage from as far back as 1965 and as recent as 2005.
What’s your favorite Rolling Stones concert memory?
The Rolling Stones in San Diego in May 1965
This footage from deep in the News 8 archives captures The Rolling Stones in San Diego in 1965. Even without hearing the screams of adulation, it’s clear from the faces of the fans that they were thrilled to see the band live.
The original broadcast script includes the following:
“The Rolling Stones rolled into town Tuesday night for a concert which sent three thousand teenagers, mostly girls, into ecstasy and near riot. Here's the way it looked and sounded at the County Concourse.”
The date was May 17, 1965. The place--The Community Concourse downtown. This was their second gig in San Diego. The first was November 1, 1964, at Balboa Park Bowl (later known as Starlight). This film treasure was buried in our archives for 55 years and it is simply amazing to see it now. Unfortunately, there is no audio on the first portion but it's easy to imagine the screams of delight coming out of the frenzied young fans. The police officers look bewildered like they just don't get the hype. We sure hope you see yourself or someone you know in this. These teenagers are now in their sixties and seventies--what a treat that would be to see themselves as teens. We don't see Mick Jagger but that's Keith Richards and Bill Wyman and an unknown young woman hanging out before the concert. Our News 8 photographer must have been thrilled to get that close. After all, they were one of the hottest bands in the world. And 55 years later, they still are.
Some News 8 viewers shared their own pictures from the 1965 show:
The Rolling Stones American Tour 1972 stops in San Diego
June 13, 1972: The Rolling Stones American Tour 1972 stopped in San Diego. Fans camped out all night to get the best seats in The San Diego International Sports Arena. CBS 8’s Gene Gleeson asked them why they were there so early. One man arrived at 11 p.m. the night before. “Is it worth it?” “It’s very worth it.” “Why?” “It’s the Rolling Stones—I’ve never seen them in my life, and this may be the last time, so I’m here.” How wrong he was!
The Rolling Stones fans at Anaheim Stadium - July 24, 1978
In this piece from the summer of 1978, News 8's Judy Elfenbein traveled to Anaheim Stadium to catch the chaos before The Rolling Stones hit the stage. Security was out in full force catching people for ticket snatching, bringing in drinks and even possession of $500 worth of “what appeared to be cocaine.”
The Rolling Stones hype ahead of 1981 concert in San Diego
Ahead of The Rolling Stones 1981 concert at what was then Jack Murphy Stadium, News 8’s Gene Cubbison reported on the excitement all over town. At 101.5 KGB FM radio DJs were giving away tickets to the show every hour. Gene reported there were rumors it was to be the Stones’ last tour – oh, how wrong that was.
The Rolling Stones concert at Jack Murphy Stadium 1981
On October 7th, 1981, The Rolling Stones played for a massive crowd at Jack Murphy Stadium. New 8's Ann Shaw reported from the parking lot the day before as folks camped out. She noted it was to be the biggest concert San Diego had ever seen with almost 70,000 attendees. Larry Himmel reported on the show itself which featured the Stones playing 22 songs including new tunes and old favorites. News 8 throwback archives editor Barb Nielsen was there and paid $15 for her ticket. She recalls that everyone was well behaved--at least in her section of the stadium.
The Rolling Stones concert aftermath in 1981
The day after The Rolling Stones concert at Jack Murphy Stadium in 1981 saw a bit of the aftermath left in the show’s wake. According to News 8 reporter, I.J. Hudson 30 people had been taken to “detoxification” during the concert. Twenty-eight people were charged with “drug-related offenses” among other issues. Officials said for 70,000 attendees, the number of problems wasn't bad – and more good news: the city made about $200,000 from the show.
The Rolling Stones play Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego in 1998
It was a rainy night in San Diego when the Stones came to town in 1998. There was a sea of yellow ponchos on the Qualcomm Stadium field. Some were lucky to be in covered seats. February 3, 1998, was a night to remember. The Rolling Stones made the stop as part of the "Bridges to Babylon" tour.
The Rolling Stones at Petco Park in 2005
On November 11, 2005, The Rolling Stones were the first band to play a concert at Petco Park in San Diego. News 8’s Jeff Zevely was there to hear from fans young and old about what brought them to the show.
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