Uncover the Legendary Rolling Stones Shows in New Orleans with Blake Pontchartrain in Gambit Weekly
Get ready, music lovers, because the Rolling Stones are making a much-anticipated return to New Orleans this week. The iconic band will be performing at the Fair Grounds on May 2 as the headliners of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. This performance will mark the sixth time the Stones have graced the city with their presence, and it’s been five years in the making to get them back to Jazz Fest.
Back in 2019, the Rolling Stones were slated to headline the 50th-anniversary festival, but unfortunately, they had to cancel due to Mick Jagger needing heart surgery. However, they did make it to town later that year, only to have their Superdome show postponed by 24 hours because of a hurricane.
The Stones’ relationship with New Orleans dates back to July 1978 when they first performed in the city, playing to a massive crowd of 80,173 at the Superdome. The concert featured opening acts Van Halen and The Doobie Brothers, with tickets priced at $13.50.
The band returned to the Superdome on December 5, 1981, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 87,500, making it the largest indoor concert attendance in the U.S. at the time. The show included performances by The Neville Brothers and George Thorogood and the Destroyers.
During their time in New Orleans, the Stones attended a party on the riverboat President, catered by chef Paul Prudhomme and featuring performances by local legends like The Meters, Deacon John Moore, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, and The Neville Brothers.
The Stones came back for another sold-out Superdome show in November 1989, playing to 55,000 fans, and returned once again in 1994 to rock the city with their electrifying performance.
It’s clear that the Rolling Stones and New Orleans share a special connection, with memorable performances and unforgettable moments that have solidified their place in the city’s music history. As they gear up for their upcoming show at the Fair Grounds, fans can expect nothing short of a legendary performance from one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
