Discover How Rolling Stones’ Groundbreaking 1965 Phoenix Concert Revolutionized Music History
On a Tuesday night, November 30, 1965, The Rolling Stones made their first appearance on a Phoenix stage, drawing comparisons to the Beatles as the rising stars of the music scene. The British band was on their fourth North American tour in support of their album “Out of Our Heads” when they took the stage at a new multi-purpose arena located on the north side of the Arizona State Fairgrounds. Earlier that month, the Stones had dominated the charts with hits like “Get Off of My Cloud” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.”
The Arizona Republic reported that the venue, which could hold 7,500 people, was filled with a screaming mass of hysterical teenagers eagerly awaiting the performance. The Stones arrived in an armored car provided by a local bank, adding to the excitement of the night. For many fans, including Cindy Smith Dunaway, then 16 years old, seeing the Stones live was a dream come true. She and her friends were overwhelmed with emotion, crying and screaming in joy at the sight of their idols.
Alice Cooper, who was just 17 at the time, also attended the concert and vividly remembers the raw energy and presence of the Rolling Stones on stage. Cooper describes Mick Jagger as the epitome of a rockstar frontman and credits him with revolutionizing the role of lead singers in bands. The Stones’ performance that night left a lasting impression on both fans and fellow musicians, solidifying their status as one of the most iconic bands of the era.
Local fan club president Marianne Gilbert played a key role in bringing the Rolling Stones to Phoenix by collecting names on a petition and lobbying for their performance in the city. The anticipation leading up to the concert was palpable, with many young fans skipping school and waiting hours before the show to catch a glimpse of their favorite band. The concert, featuring opening acts like The Vibrations and Patti LaBelle and her Blue Belles, culminated in a high-energy set by the Rolling Stones that left the audience in a frenzy of excitement.
Despite technical limitations of the time, which made it difficult to hear the music over the screams of the crowd, fans like Dennis Dunaway of Alice Cooper recall the concert as a transformative experience. The Stones’ rebellious image and captivating stage presence captured the hearts of a generation and paved the way for future rock acts.
For many attendees, seeing the Rolling Stones live in Phoenix was a defining moment that solidified their love for music and inspired their own artistic endeavors. The impact of that historic concert continues to resonate with fans, who fondly reminisce about the night they witnessed rock ‘n’ roll history unfold on a stage in Arizona.
