Be the First to Catch the Rolling Stones at Jazz Fest! Find Out Who Beat the Crowd in Louisiana Festivals
As the sun began to peek over the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, a sense of excitement filled the air. Rolling Stones fans from all walks of life eagerly awaited the chance to see Mick Jagger and the band take the stage. Among these devoted fans was Jorge Duran, a 55-year-old salesman who had been there since 5:15 a.m. Duran’s love for the Rolling Stones stemmed from his parents, who introduced him to the band during his childhood.
Accompanying Duran were Ron and Tammy Sallier, a retired Pepsi driver and a casino employee from Lake Charles. The couple had come prepared to fully immerse themselves in the Rolling Stones experience – with Ron planning to rush to the stage while Tammy grabbed some delicious New Orleans cuisine.
Geoff Smith, another dedicated fan, had traveled from Gulf Shores, Alabama, sporting a Stones-themed T-shirt. Smith had seen the band perform numerous times and was eagerly anticipating their performance of “Sympathy for the Devil.”
Despite the early arrivals, Brian McCarthy claimed the title of the ultimate fan. A member of the “Shidoobees” group, McCarthy arrived before dawn and had seen the Rolling Stones an impressive 52 times. For McCarthy, standing in front of Keith Richards, the band’s legendary guitarist, was the ultimate goal.
As the morning progressed, a Jazz Fest employee stopped by to remind fans of the special rules for Rolling Stones Thursday, including the prohibition of blankets. Speculation about the gates opening early was dismissed by the employee, adding to the anticipation building among fans.
The history of the Rolling Stones is deeply interwoven with the fabric of rock and roll. The band’s rebellious edge has captivated audiences for decades, making them a seminal group in music history. For fans like Duran, Ron, Tammy, Geoff, and McCarthy, seeing the Rolling Stones live is not just a concert – it’s a tribute to the enduring legacy of a band that continues to inspire generations of music lovers.