The Rolling Stones started calling themselves “the greatest rock and roll band ever” long before they began to prove it to the world. The Stones initially started when Mick Jagger (vocals) and Keith Richards (guitar, vocals) met in high school in 1960 and decided to form a band together. Not soon after they added bassist Bill Wyman, drummer Charlie Watts and guitarist Brian Jones, with their group complete they began playing the hard driving blues rock that defined their signature sound and created a template for almost every rock band that followed in their wake. Their legacy has spanned 40 years with more than 23 albums and songs that will remain in the rock and roll halls of fame for generations. Their world tours are also legendary, with the ability to fill baseball and football stadiums on consecutive nights, Rolling Stones concert tickets have always been in high demand.

Steeped in blues-style rock, the Rolling Stones have defined the rock performer, the rock concert and especially the rock song. With such classic hits as “Satisfaction,” “Paint it Black,” “Brown Sugar,” “Get Off of My Cloud,” and “Angie,” the Stones music echoes in every pub, bar and record store across the world. Their songs have defined movies, protested wars and made some think that they worshipped the devil. Their comparison to the Beatles simply ends at the way both groups managed to control the music charts throughout their careers. Where the Beatles were moderate, the Rolling Stones were radical. They would do what they wanted when they wanted to and didn’t care if the whole world watched the process. Mick Jagger made rock sexy and groupies considered him the ultimate prize. The outrageous tours and stories have been written about in countless books and the subject of many movies and documentaries. After them rock music would never be the same and the music produced for the Western civilization changed forever.

Throughout their 40 year career, the Rolling Stones have never stopped making albums, except for solo efforts, and following up their albums with amazing live tours. Part of the appeal of their band is the energetic live performances they give their fans. The Rolling Stones can never be duplicated and to witness a live concert is a lifetime achievement for some of their most loyal followers. They certainly proved to the world the claim they made when they first started out; the Rolling Stones are truly one of the greatest rock bands of all time.