The Rolling Stones brought their Latin American tour to a close Friday night in Cuba, with a historic show that introduced the English rockers to a Cuban audience for the first time. An estimated 500,000 attended the free outdoor show at Havana’s Ciudad Deportiva (“Sports City”) stadium.
After opening with “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” Mick Jagger said, “This is amazing! It’s really good to be here! It’s good to see you guys! Here we are finally! We are sure that this night is going to be an unforgettable night, for you and for us… We know that years ago it was difficult to listen to our music here in Cuba, but here we are, playing for you in your beautiful land. I think that finally things have changed, haven’t they?”
With Jimmy Buffett, Richard Gere and other celebrities looking on, the Stones delivered 18 of their hits over two hours. Rather than selling merchandise, the Stones’ crew tossed event T-shirts, which you can buy through the band’s website, into the crowd.
Friday’s show, which is being called Concert for Amity, was filmed for release on DVD.
On Thursday, the Stones visited the British Embassy in Havana and mingled with invited Cuban musicians, providing words of encouragement to their fellow players. And they announced a charity initiative in which instrument manufacturers including Gibson, Pearl, Gretsch and Roland will donate equipment to local musicians.
The Stones will likely be in London for the opening of their Exhibitionism installation at the Saatchi Gallery on April 5th. Also on tap for 2016 is the recording of a new album and more U.S. dates later this year.
SET LIST:
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)
Tumbling Dice
Out of Control
All Down the Line (song vote winner)
Angie
Paint It Black
Honky Tonk Women
Midnight Rambler
Miss You
Gimme Shelter
Start Me Up
Sympathy for the Devil
Brown Sugar
ENCORE:
You Can’t Always Get You Want
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
