Posted on 08/20/2017 4:35:29 PM PDT by SamAdams76
It was late October 1964 and the British Invasion was on. The Beatles had exploded upon the scene earlier that year in February and the Rolling Stones were just one of another number of rock bands that suddenly started getting U.S. airplay and hits.
The performance linked here was at the T.A.M.I. show (Teen Age Music International) in Santa Monica, CA. I'm posting this because the the video and sound quality of this performance is extraordinary for the times.
For context, The Rolling Stones had yet to have their first big U.S. hit ("Satisfaction" would go to number one the following year). At that time, the Stones were still doing mostly covers and this performance of "Around and Around" was a Chuck Berry original.
Mick Jagger was just 21 years old at the time. He and his band had to follow James Brown who was not only a seasoned performer but put on an electrifying performance. Yet they carried it off. The audience went absolutely nuts as Jagger did his moves and the band backing him was already pretty tight.
I got a kick out of the middle-aged men (probably the orchestra) behind the band. They had absolutely nothing to do during this number and just sat their silently with their instruments, probably wondering just what the heck was going on in front of them as the audience went into an absolute frenzy.
For better or worse, this period of time was definitely a turning point in American culture. The decade of the 60s was in full swing and nothing would be the same again. At the time, I was alive but just a baby in diapers. I missed the whole 60s scene!
Back to the 21-year-old Jagger, say what you want about him but he was already a man of the world on the verge of international superstardom. He had been a student at the London School of Economics (he dropped out to pursue his music career) so he was no dummy. Contrast that to the average 21-year-old of today who is more focused on playing video games, making burritos at Chipotles, and living with the parents.
Ahh - it’s too bad James Brown isn’t still around to post a comment!
Mick learned it from James on the TAMI Show. Incredible performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMqM4lZGiK0
Pretty cool. It sounded like they were actually singing and playing their instruments. It seems like someone was missing, though. I thought there were five Stones.
Jan & Dean came on to the stage on sskateboards singing Sidewalk Surfing during that show.
Yes, James Brown was on top of his game. Those kids got their money’s worth that night.
And the house band for that event was the legendary LA ‘Wrecking Crew” - including at that time (I’m pretty sure) Glen Campbell.
bfl
Glen was in the wrecking crew.
Yes, one of them came out with a guitar case and after the first number, opens it up and...skateboard comes out! Pretty cool.
Keef is still amazing but he learned it all from America.
Mick used to live 15 miles from here when he was married to Jerry Halle.
No one liked him.
I’d drink with Keef
Another Chuck Berry cover. A decade later, George Thorogood would take Chuck Berry songs to even greater heights.
Thanks for the Eddie Cochran links. I agree, he was headed for superstardom until that fateful taxi ride. He was definitely edgier than Elvis. Imagine what he, James Dean and Buddy Holly could have done if they didn’t die so young. I think all three of them would have ended up in some movies together.
Here’s a couple old British wankers ripping off Eddie Cochran...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIbfI2LAftk
Dont forget Bo Diddly!
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