International news  -  Archive 2003 

Dec. 21 2003 :   Merry Christmas !       

As promised, Doctor Stones' modest christmas gift is now online : 3 previously unseen photos of the Rolling Stones, live in Charlotte during the 1972 US Tour.
The photos are to be seen in the Contributions section of the Live Pictures page.

Dec. 18 2003 :   Happy Birthday Gentlemen !!!!!       

Happy birthday to Keith Richards !!!! I wish you a future as bright as your 60 first years !!!
Happy birthday to Bobby Keys too, who was born on the same day, but on the other side of the Atlantic !

Dec. 11 2003 :   125,000 copies of Four Flicks already sold in USA and Canada    (Reuters)

Dec. 9 2003 :   A new trilogy in Paris       

After playing 3 club shows on one day in June, Metallica was back in Paris for a great sold out performance in the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy (POPB). At the end of the show, Lars Ulrich, the drummer of the band, announced that they would be back for a stadium show at the Parc des Princes on June 23.
Metallica will be the 2nd band to perform this kind of club / indoor / stadium trilogy on a same tour.
It took one week to the Stones in July, it'll take a little bit more than a year to Metallica

Dec. 9 2003 :   Ron Wood on stage with Sheryl Crow       

Ron Wood joined Sheryl Crow on stage on Dec. 8 during her performance at the Sheperd's Bush in London.
He played on  "It Takes A Lot To Laugh" and "Losing You"

Dec. 7 2003 :   Keith Richards Special in Uncut magazine       

The Jan. 2004 issue of Uncut (already available in UK) is celebrating Keith Richards' 60th birthday with interviews and pictures, including a geat photo on the cover.

Dec. 2 2003 :   Mick to be knighted on Dec. 12       

After having postponed his knighthood ceremony once because of the Licks Tour, Mick was supposed to become Sir Mick on Dec. 10.
The final date is now Dec.12. Mick asked for this 2nd rescheduling in order not to interfere with rugby star Jonny Wilkinson's nomination as Member of the British Empire that is due to happen on Dec. 10.

Nov. 27 2003 :   Licks world tour : 2nd most lucrative tour in history       

According to Billboard, the Rolling Stones Licks World Tour 2002/2003 and its 117 shows is the 2nd most lucrative tour, behind the Rolling Stones Voodoo Lounge Tour 1994/1995 and its 136 shows.
The Licks Tour grossed approx. $ 300 million, and the band performed venues in average full to 99% of their capacity.
This record has been established during a tour made of numerous shows played in arenas and theatres, whereas the previous Stones tours were almost exclusively made of big stadium shows. The explanation : the high prices for tickets, and the merchandising. 

Nov. 23 2003 :   ABKCO's Christmas attack       

After the book and the DVD, the Stones are back on the records market. Here are ABKCO's 2 major releases for the end of the year :
1.   11 remastered LPs  :
England's newest hitmakers, Out of our heads (UK), Between the buttons (UK), Aftermath (UK), Their satanic majestic requests,
Beggars banquet , Let it bleed, Get yer ya-ya's out, Hot rocks 1964-1971, Big hits, Metamorphosis.
2.   A limited edition box set including all Remastered series in SACD digipacks.

Nov. 18  2003  :  Four Flicks D day in France !      

In order to celebrate the release of Four Flicks in France today, I postponed from Monday to Tuesday the posting of a new live photo.
I wish that today's Olympia picture will help people from Germany, Denmark, and all other countries who will have to wait a few more days.
This new picture is to be seen in the Contributions section. 
Feel free to send the Stones live photos you want to share with other fans !
Next photo to be published as planned on Thursday.

Nov. 13  2003  :  Stones interview online (episode 2)  

Did you like yesterday's video ? Here's another one from NY1 !

Nov. 12  2003  :  Stones interview online  

A new Stones interview is to be seen on the msnbc web page.

Nov. 9  2003  :  It's all over now...  

The Licks World Tour 2002 - 2003 ended tonight in Hong Kong after 117 shows.
Setlist available on the Licks Tour Page.

Nov. 7  2003  :  Stones in Hong Kong : One last show and it's over...  

The Stones played their first Hong Kong show in history tonight. The setlist is available on the Licks Tour Page.
The second show will take place on Sunday Nov. 11, and will be the last Stones live appearance... for a while. 

Nov. 4  2003  :  The Stones reunite in Hong Kong.  

Mick Jagger finally arrived today in Hong Kong.
The other members of the band were already there. After a 4-week break, the Stones can now get ready for the last 2 shows of their 2002/2003 world tour on Nov. 7 and Nov. 9 at the 13,000 capacity Tamar site. 

Nov. 3 2003  :  New live pictures added twice a week  

In order to help everyone waiting for the DVD, Doctor Stones is offering one new unseen Stones photo every Monday and Thursday.
These souvenirs of the Licks tour are posted chronologically in the Live Pictures / Contributions page.
You'll be able to see great shots from the MSG, Bercy and Olympia shows.

Nov. 1 2003  :  NYC Four Flicks Party : exclusive report  : UPDATE with photos  

Click HERE to read an exclusive review of the Four Flicks release party. Photos added

Oct. 30 2003  :  Waiting for the DVD ?     

In order to make the waiting easier, you'll find an unseen photo from the Paris - Olympia show in the Live Pictures / Contributions page.
To be added next week : a fantastic photo of Mick in Paris - Bercy.  Don't forget : The Contributions page is yours !!! 

Oct. 30 2003  :  Four Flicks party in NYC     

It looks like the canadian boycott didn't have any impact on the Stone's mood during their Four Flicks party in NYC.
Click HERE to see the Yahoo!  / Reuters photos of the event.

Oct. 29 2003  :  Major Canadian music retailers to boycott Rolling Stones catalogue.     

Canadian retailers HMV Canada, Pindoff Record Sales and Sunrise Records are pulling all Rolling Stones products -- including CDs, DVDs, videotapes and accessories -- from their stores for an indefinite period of time.
This boycott is a reaction to the deal made by the Rolling Stones with retailer BestBuy, since the forthcoming DVD set "Four Flicks" will be available to the North American market exclusively through Best Buy for four months.

Oct. 24 2003  :  Happy birthday Bill Wyman  !!!     

Oct. 23 2003  :  European release of Four Flicks postponed.     

The new Rolling Stones DVD set "Four Flicks" will not be released on Nov. 11 in Europe as planned.
Dates changed depending on the country :
UK : Nov. 17       France / Belgium : Nov. 18      Germany : Nov. 24     

Oct. 22 2003  :  No other chinese shows after Hong Kong.     

It seems that both Hong Kong shows will be the final performances of the Licks World Tour 2002/2003.
Beijing and Shanghai are both off by now.

Oct. 21 2003  :  Very disappointing 2nd Bowie show in Paris.     

After a reportedly excellent show yesterday in Paris Bercy, David Bowie's performance tonight was very weird :
The high(?)lights of the show : a restart of Breaking Glass after a minute ( the song was played too slowly), a false start of the band while David was still talking to the audience a few minutes later, and a short 100-minute performance including the encore ending with Bowie's apologies (probably because of his voice which seemed to fade out during the encore)...
Some songs were great, but the overall impression still mixed.
Full review and photos later this week. CLICK HERE to see a first picture (taken with my phone)

Oct. 15 2003  :  Tickets for the Stones in Hong Kong available 

You can get tickets for both shows in Hong Kong by clicking HERE

Oct. 13 2003  :  Wanna have a look into the forthcoming DVD ? 

BestBuy offers as a preview a part of Start me up recorded at the Olympia in Paris.
Click HERE to see it.

Oct. 13 2003  :  Asia maybe back on the schedule...   

The Hong Kong shows may finally still take place.
If the Stones play the Harbour Fest, then they may play Shanghai and Beijing too.
Wait n'see...

Oct. 11 2003  :  No asian shows for the Stones in November   

The Licks World Tour ended in Zurich last week, since the Stones won't go on tour in China in November.
The asian fans will have to wait for the Stones tour now...

Oct. 11  2003 :   Great show from Mick Taylor tonight in Paris   

Paris welcomed all the current and past members of the Rolling Stones between June and October.
Mick Taylor was the last one to come, but his show was fantastic. See the review for more details.
More pictures of the show to be added soon...

Oct. 8  2003 :   European Licks Tour over...   

The Zurich show was the final European Licks show.
In a month the Stones will probably play a few shows in China (see Licks Tour page).
These shows will take place right in time in order to promote the release of the "Four Flicks" DVD set, and will be the last ones before a well-deserved break for the band, the crew, and the fans.  

Sep. 23  2003 :   Interesting show on French/German TV tonite.   

TV channel Arte will broadcast one of its Music Planet 2Nite show today.
Guests are Ben harper and The Thrills, one of the current Stones' tour most interesting opening acts (seen at the Astoria and in Dublin)
Music Planet 2Nite, Arte, 11:00 PM CET

Sep. 9  2003 :   New duet in Dublin   

The Stones played "Wild Horses" with Andrea Corr from the Corrs at the Point in Dublin.

Sep. 6  2003 :   Probable arena show added in Switzerland.   

The Stones may play an arena show on Sunday Oct. 5 in the Zurich Arena.    (source IORR)
The stadium show sells out pretty fast : all seats sold within 4 hours. Standing tickets still available.

Sep. 5  2003 :   Stones show in Switzerland confirmed   

The Stones will play the up-to-now rumored stadium show at the Letzigrund on Oct. 2.
Tickets on sale tomorrow at Ticketcorner

Sep. 4  2003 :   Hong Kong shows announced   

According to a Hong Kong promoter, the Rolling Stones will play 2 shows in Hong Kong on Nov. 7 and 9.
These shows will be part of the celebrations of the end of the SARS epidemy. 
Carlos Santana, who also had to cancel some Asian shows this spring will also be part of the celebration/festival. 
These new dates look like the beginning of a 2nd Asian Tour this year, and confirm the band's intention to play the shows thay had to postpone because of the SARS...

Sep. 2  2003 :   Wembley Arena rescheduled and shows added  

The Wembley Arena show from Sep. 14 has been rescheduled on Sep. 13 in order to allow Mick to take good care of his voice.
2 rumored shows have been confirmed in Spain and Portugal, where the Stones will inaugurate the new stadium of the city of Coimbra.
See the Licks Tour Page for details.

Sep. 1  2003 :   Back on the net  

Doctor Stones is back from England, and his computer is back from repair with a brand new hard disk !
Updates started again. Thanks for visiting   ;o) 

Aug. 12  2003 :   Loads of things to read  

Ceux d'entre vous qui maîtrisent la langue de Shakespeare vont avoir de saines lectures pour supporter la canicule.

Aug. 7  2003 :   Benidorm rescheduled      

The Benidorm show is now officially due to take place on Sep. 18.
As of today, it will be the final Licks European Tour show.             (source : Europa Press)

Aug. 5  2003 :   Benidorm not to be played tonite      

The Benidorm show won't take place tonite because of Mick suffering from pharyngitis.
No news about replacement date confirmed yet.

Aug. 4  2003 :   Reggae for Rotterdam      

The Stones invited the reggae band Toots and the Maytals to open their stadium and arena shows in Rotterdam.
Considering the photo shown on the band's official website, it's probably Keith who had the idea to have a reggae band opening in the country where ganja is legal...

Aug. 4  2003 :   Chinese Stones shows may be played in November 

According to the Chinese concert promoter Beijing Time New Century Entertainment Co, the Stones may come to China in november and perform the shows they had to cancel last spring because of the SARS Epidemy. More info ASAP. 
Don't forget to check the Licks World Tour page for updates.

Aug. 4  2003 :   Bob Dylan on Euro Tour this winter      

After David Bowie, Bob Dylan announced a European tour in october and november.
Besides an extensive German tour, Bob will play in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Ireland and UK.   On this tour, Bob is singing and exclusively playing piano. Tickets on sale.

July 31 2003 :  Stones set new record in Toronto !

The SARS show from July 30 in Toronto is the biggest selling rock show ever, with approx. 450,000 tickets sold !

July 29 2003 :  Toronto show to be broadcast on the net !

Tomorrow's Toronto SARS show will be broadcast on the net by CBC. Click here for details : http://www.cbc.ca/torontorocks/

July 29 2003 :  End of holidays, back to work !

The updates of Doctor Stones' Page have started again. 
Some readers emailed me about problems with the latest photos, and I'll fix it ASAP.  Sorry !

July 11 2003 :  Olympia tonite !

It is confirmed that tonite's show at the legendary Olympia Theatre in Paris will be recorded an filmed.

July 11 2003 :  From fan to fans : 1 spare ticket for the Wembley Arena Aug. 29

A good friend of mine has got 1 spare ticket for the Wembley Arena show. 
Block 23 - Rank 5 - Seat 8 - Blue side.   Sold FACE VALUE : 65 € + Shipping.
If interested please contact Patrick on the following adress : tradegermany@aol.com

July 8 2003 :  Local crew on strike after Bercy.

Massive strikes from the people working for the show business in France ( roadies, sound and light techs, actors etc.) have given the Stones a big problem, since the local crew did not show up to load the trucks and take the material from Bercy to the Stade de France.
People from the Stones entourage and volunteers managed to do the job slower than if it was made by professionals, and thanks to them the tour management could announce this morning that the show would take place as scheduled.

July 5 2003 :  Last tickets for Bercy...

... will be available on monday directly at the Bercy box office ( outside, close to the stairs).

July 5 2003 :  Back on the net

Doctor Stones is back and ready for updates again !
My computer broke down completely last week, but now it's fixed and updates will come soon    :o)

June 282003 :  FOS Tickets for the Paris stadium show

Doctor Stones found a way to get the last FOS tix for the show in Paris on July 9th.
If interested, please email me and put "RS SDF" as object.

June 26  2003 :  Bill Wyman singing live in Paris

2 weeks before the Rolling Stones, we were given the opportunity to see 2 ex-Stones on stage in the Olympia Theatre in Paris.
Dick Taylor with the Pretty Things, and of course Bill Wyman and his Rhythm Kings.
The show's highlight was for sure Bill singing ( yes, singing) "You never can tell".  He didn't sing on stage since the Rhythm Kings 1997 tour (see my Bill Wyman interview).
Pics and review on line this week end.

June 24  2003 :  The Toronto SARS show officially confirmed

The Rolling Stones have confirmed today that they will play in Toronto on July 30.
The show will also include other bands including AC/DC, The Guess Who, Justin Timberlake, Sam Roberts, The Flaming Lips, Kathleen Edwards, The Isley Brothers, Sass Jordan, La Chicane and hosts Dan Akroyd and Jim Belushi. The whole event will start at 2:00 PM and will last approx. 8 hours.
Tickets will be sold on Friday June 27th, thru ticketmaster.com ($16 US)  or ticketmaster.ca ( $21,5 Canadian)

June 24  2003 :  What to do in Europe after the Stones' Tour ?

If you have some money left, you may be interested to see David Bowie whose European Tour will start in October. Presales have already begun on the official David Bowie fan club, and some public sales already started too. The opening act will be the Dandy Warhols.
The new album will hit the stores in September.

June 12  2003 :  2 more shows in Europe !!! Belgium at least and  one more Wembley !!! 

The belgian fans have been waiting badly for their show but now they got it !!!!
The Stones will play the Werchter Festival park on Sep. 7th, and will play a 3rd Wembley Arena on Sep. 15th.
All details and how to get tickets for these shows on my Tour Page

June 12  2003 :  Back from Munich, computer working again 

I couldn't update my webpage during the last few days due to a computer problem.
My special Munich pages will be online this weekend    ;o)

June 2  2003 :  Happy birthday Charlie !!! 

2 days, 2 celebrations. Charlie Watts gets 62 today. Happy birthday Charlie !  

June 1  2003 :  First rehearsals in Munich ! 

The Stones started their rehearsals for the European tour tonight around 8:00 PM local time. 
Among the 1st songs played, the fans outside the studio could hear Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Heartbreaker and Undercover of the night.

June 1  2003 :  Happy birthday Ronnie !!! 

Today is Ron Wood's anniversary. Ronnie is now 56.

May 31st  2003 :  The stadium stage is getting built in Munich 

The Stones' crew already started to build the stage for the Olympiastadion show next friday.
You can see everything, including the inside of the Olympiahalle ( June 4th opening show) with  the numerous webcams available HERE.
Only problem : the broadcast stops every evening at 9:00 PM...

May 27th 2003 : The Thrills on TV  

The TV channel Arte, available in France and Germany will broadcast a live performance of The Thrills who will be the Stones' opening act at the London Astoria in August. The show is called Music Planet 2nite and will be aired at 11:00 PM CET on June 3rd ( the last night before the Munich Olympiahalle show  - for those who forgot ! ) 

May 25th 2003 : Bill Wyman's tour dates available  

As an addition to his extensive French tour, Bill will also play in Spain this summer.
UK dates are scheduled for a winter tour that will start in November 2003 and end in February 2004. 
Click HERE for more info.

May 23rd 2003 : No Toronto Show this summer, but one more in Spain  

The Toronto free concert project planned for the end of July will take place probably without the Stones (if it ever takes place).
The Stones will stay in Europe and play one more spanish show, on Aug. 5th in Benidorm.
How to get tickets ?  For more info, see the Tour page. 

May 22nd 2003 :  Ronnie Wood's paintings on tour 

Ronnie Wood's paintings and lithographs will tour Europe this summer too. The whole ensemble will be split in different exhibitions to be seen in  : Munich, Milano, Berlin , Vienna , Leipzig, Madrid , Barcelona , Paris , Copenhagen , Stockholm , Hamburg , Prague , Rotterdam, Amsterdam .
Dates and galleries to be found HERE.

May 20th 2003 : 2nd AC/DC club show in Berlin confirmed 

AC/DC will play the Columbiahalle in Berlin on June 9th 2003.
Tickets for this "warm up show" will be on sale on Sunday May 25th at 10:00 AM at the Berlin Olympic Stadium's Osttor (East Gate). 
Price : 56,5 EUR.

May 17th 2003 : AC/DC to play Cirkus Krone too 

AC/DC will play the Cirkus Krone on June 17th in Munich. This show comes as a complement to their 3 dtaes mini tour as the Stones' opening act in Oberhausen, Leipzig and Hockenheim.
Tickets will be sold in a traditional way : directly at the Cirkus Krone, on May 23rd.  For more info, call the Cirkus Krone : + 49 1805 247 287.
A second club show may take place in Berlin on June 9th, but is not confirmed yet.
AC/DC already played a club gig in March at the NYC Roseland Ballroom in order to celebrate their induction in the Rock n' Roll hall of Fame.

May 16th 2003 : Rolling Stones photo exhibition in Brussels 

"The Brussels Affair" is the title of a photo exhibition that is due to take place in Brussels from June 28th to Aug. 31st.
The Musée du Cinquantenaire will be showing great photos made by Dominique Tarlé during the 1971 "Exile on main Street" recording sessions in Keith's Villa Nellcote in the South of France.

For more info, CLICK HERE.  

May 15th 2003 : Bill Wyman's new CD 

As an addition to one of his latest books "A Blues Odyssey", Bill Wyman releases a 2 CD compilation : "Rude Dudes" Bill made a selection of old blues songs that were not only chosen because of their musical qualities, but also because of their sometimes very explicit lyrics. As usual with Bill, this new CD is on sale on his website, and can be ordered autographed for a few more bucks. Want to know more about this release ?   CLICK HERE

May 15th 2003 : Les Stones will shake Berlin legally 

A neighbour of Berlin's Olympiastadion tried to impeach the show to take place on June 15th, because of the sonic disturbances it would generate.  
The court found that the municipal authority had the right under special circumstances to suspend the usual restrictions, which set rigid limits on the times certain decibel levels can be exceeded. The Stones have been asked by the court to end the show at 11:30 PM. 

May 15th 2003 : The Stones may play a free concert in Toronto this summer  

The Rolling Stones may be back to Toronto by the end of July for a free concert in order to show their support to the people of Toronto, who have been heavily affected by SARS. The location will be the old Downsview Airport grounds.

This would mean an interruption of the European Tour, and a possible new date for  the Werchter show, rumored on Aug. 2nd, that may be played on a new date before Hannover on Aug. 10th. 

May 13th 2003 : Serbian summer without Stones show, new hope for Belgium

The Rolling Stones have officially canceled their concert in Belgrade due to security concerns following the assassination of Serbia's prime minister Zoran Djindjic on March 12th. 
The country seems under control of the mafia, and the Stones won't take any risk for them or their staff.
The show was scheduled for August 2nd, and its cancellation gives new hope to belgian fans who are waiting for the Werchter show to be confirmed soon. 

May 12th 2003 : Noel Redding is dead at 57

The historical bass player of the Jimi Hendrix Experience died on May 11.
The announcement was made by his manager Ian Grant. 
He was found dead in his irish home, but the causes of his death remain unknown.

May 8th 2003 : More about the new Stones album

The Rolling Stones' next album is being mixed in Los Angeles.
It will contain some of the material recorded last year in Paris.                                              Source : Shidoobee

April 30th 2003 : Belgium or not Belgium ? 

Despite a previous announcement  denying any possibily of a Stones concert in Belgium, the rumor's back.
This time, the show's schedule is August 2 (with option for a second one on Aug. 3), on the well known and usual Werchter Festival Site.
AC/DC helped boosting the german ticket sales, and the fact that almost all Dutch and French shows are sold out may explain the possibility of a Belgian show.
Benidorm, Zagreb and Belgrad are still discussed and may fill the few dates that are still free in the beginning of August.

April 29th 2003 : Stones photo exhibition in Paris 

If you come to Paris in May, go to the Galerie Kamel Mennour, you'll have the opportunity to see great and rare photos taken by Peter Beard during the Stones 1972 US Tour.  The exhibition will close on May 30th. 
Galerie Kamel Mennour, 60 rue Mazarine 75006 PARIS.  

April 29th 2003 :  There will be a B-stage in Wembley 

There are many rumors on the net about the fact that there won't be any B-stage inside the Wembley arena.
It's wrong, click here to see the official seating chart made especially for the Stones.
Up to now, only Budokan and Singapore shows were without B-stage.
It will also probably the case in Dublin, the Point being one of the tour's smallest venues (except the clubs) 

April 28th 2003 :  The Stones confirmed new UK and Irish shows in September 

Just as Doctor Stones already told you few weeks ago, the Stones have officially confirmed 4 more shows : 
Glasgow Sep. 1st, Manchester Sep. 5th, Dublin Sep. 9th and Wembley Arena  Sep. 14th. See Licks Tour page for details.
Presales have already started on RS.com for the fans with unused or new membership.
Depending on ticket sales, all these cities may have  a 2nd show added. (rumoured show on Licks Tour page as well)

April 26th 2003 :  KISS and Aerosmith on a common US tour 

Kiss and Aeromith will tour the US together from Aug. 2nd to Oct. 18th.
Kiss forgot Europe on their latest so-called farewell tour, but came back to business in March for some shows in Japan (standart Kiss shows) and in Australia ( with a symphonic orchestra). Aerosmith still hasn't organised any "Just push play" tour in Europe either.
This new tour will be made of  medium size indoor shows, and does not include major US cities. 

April 23rd 2003 :  More Bill Wyman dates in France this summer ! 

If you planned to visit France this summer, to see the Stones in Paris and/or Marseille and to spend some more vacation in our beautiful country, you'll have a lot of opportunities to see Bill too. 
An update of Bill Wyman and Rhythm Kings tour dates already on sale can be found on my Wyman - Taylor page.

April 23rd 2003 :  Rolling Stones post stamps to be released in Austria 

The Stones are said to have given their agreement to a block of 4 stamps to be released by the Austrian Post on June 18th.
Mick, Keith, Charlie and Ronnie will all have their own stamp.
I'll do my best to be able to provide some complete sets by the time they go on sale.

April 21st 2003 :  A new Stones album rumored for this summer 

Some sources say that a new CD could be out this summer. A single is said to be released at the very beginning of July.
More news ASAP.                                          source : Shidoobee

April 18th 2003 :  Keith et Ron enjoying Indian holiday. 

After the cancellation of the Bangkok show, Keith and Ronnie sayed in India.
They went to Jaipur and Udaipur, where they were special guests of the Maharana of Mewar.
A few days later, they met Dilip Doshi in Delhi. The promoter of the recent Bangalore and Mumbai shows announced that there was hope for another Stones show in Delhi before the end of the year.
This news gives credibilty to the rumor of a comeback after this European summer in Thailand and China, were the Stones had to cancel 5 shows because of the SARS alert in Asia.

April 18th  2003 :  A controversial film project announced  

Movie producer  Steve Woolley announced a new movie entitled "The wicked world of Brian Jones". The movie is said to be the result of 8 years of investigation on the case of Brian's death.  Paul Bettany is expected to play the role of Brian Jones è   As a response, the Rolling Stones are said to have instructed Allen Klein, owner of the rights to their 60ies hits, not to grant any use of their music in this movie.

As an additional provocation, Steve Woolley said the sensational revelations contained in his film project will force the british police to reopen their inquiry into Brian Jones's mysterious death                                               source Yahoo! News

April 18th  2003 :  New US Tour in 2004 ?

There are more and more rumors about a probable comeback of the Stones in the US in January 2004. Mark Fisher was announcing a 2002-2004 tour from the beginning, and it seems that it will be the case. More news as soon as possible here, and in the Licks Tour page.

April 13th  2003 :  The Tour of the Americas '75 for FREE !

Jean-Marie Moreau has done a great job collecting info and photos about the Tour of the Americas.
You can get a copy of his 150-page press book for free. All the details HERE.

April 13th  2003 :  Additional spanish show rumored

The Stones may play in Benidorm on Saturday Aug. 2nd instead of Zagreb that was rumored recently.
The Benidorm show is a very old info surfacing again, and should be confirmed very soon. 
Tickets are expected to be on sale after Easter.      source IORR

April 10th  2003 :  With a little help from your friends 

It only took a few days for the Stones to sell out the 3 big german open air shows after announcing AC/DC as an additionnal support act.
No more tickets available now for Oberhausen, Hockenheim and Leipzig. The RSFC allotment may be a solution for the ones who missed the opportunity...

April 10th  2003 :  Wait n'see... 

SARS and plane problems forced the Stones to cancel 5 arena shows in Asia (see Licks Tour page). The Stones announced they want to be back in Asia to play these concerts.
The additionnal UK shows planned in September have not been confirmed yet.
Some people think that they may be cancelled and that the Stones will be back in Asia in September.
My advice is wait and see. Glasgow shows were officially confirmed, so let the organisation take some time to work on the whole problem.
News will be published here as soon as possible.

April 9th  2003 :  Bangkok postponed again ! 

The Stones were forced to cancel their concert in Bangkok scheduled for April 10th because of a problem with the plane that was to take the band and their entire production crew from Mumbai to Bangkok. Due to mechanical failure it was impossible to leave Mumbai in time to arrive in Bangkok and set up the production. Mick Jagger is the only one who was early enough in Bangkok where he went earlier in order to shoot segments for a Rolling Stones documentary film.

April 9th  2003 :  Head of Stones' security admitted in Mumbai hospital 

Jim Callaghan, aka JC, head of the Stones' security staff suffered a massive heart attack in Mumbai last Sunday. 
After an emergency angioplasty, JC's situation is now stable and some sources say he may fly back home at the end of the week.
Best wishes JC, have a quick recovery  and see you soon !

April 9th  2003 :  Mick Taylor in France for a free concert 

Mick Taylor will be in France on June 21st (national music day) for a free concert in Marcq en Baroeul.
He won't be the only act : Chris Jagger ( brother of Mick) and Chris Farlowe will be there too.
Details HERE

April 1st  2003 :  AC/DC to support Stones ticket sales in Germany  

AC/DC will play after the already announced opening acts and before the Stones on 3 the big open air shows scheduled in Germany. These shows were selling slowly until now.
June 13th  Oberhausen   AC/DC & The Cranberries   Entrance  15:30  show start 18:15
June 20th  Leipzig           AC/DC & The Pretenders    Entrance  15:00  show start  17:45
June 22nd Hockenheim   AC/DC & The Pretenders    Entrance  14:30  show start  17:15     source DEAG

March 31st  2003 :  Happy birthday Angus Young !!!   Long live AC/DC !!!  

March 29th  2003 :  Local Singapore promoter lost money with the Stones  

In order to break even on the Stones concerts, the local promoter needed to sell 8,000 seats per night (95% of the venue's capacity).
Sales only reached 6,500 and 7,200 fans.   Source : IORR
If the Stones' price policy can explain part of the problem, SARS epidemy also slowed down sales during the last weeks before the show.

March 28th  2003 :  No China show - New dates for India and Thailand  

The Rolling Stones have confirmed today that the Beijing and Shanghai shows are cancelled.
New dates for India and Thailand are : Bangalore April 4th, Mumbai April 7th and Bangkok April 10th.
Licks Tour page up to date.

March 28th  2003 :  News about the Asian tour 

World Health Organisation confirmed on March 27th that China, including Beijing,  has been heavily hit by the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemy, so both Chinese dates may be cancelled soon, despite the denial of the local promoter. Decision about definitely cancelling the Hong Kong shows or rescheduling them will be taken on March 31st.
By that time, we will probably be fixed about the chinese concerts.
Furthermore, according to german TV, both Indian stadium shows are not selling good. 
Put all together, these news show that the whole Asian tour may be cancelled...

March 27th  2003 :  Hong Kong shows cancelled 

The SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemy has brought the Stones to cancel the 2 Hong Kong shows scheduled on March 28th and 29th. The Stones plan to reschedule the concerts as soon as possible, but ticket refund is open.

March 26th  2003 :  New opening acts announced for the Stones 

Marseille :  Stereophonics  -  Helsinki  : ZZ Top   -  Bilbao : The Pretenders 
All the opening acts already announced are available by scrolling down the Licks Tour page.

March 26th  2003 :  Led Zep CD and DVD out in May 

A new Led Zeppelin live CD will be released in May. "How The West Was Won" will be made of recordings from the '72 Tour.
A DVD will also be released, containing live footage and TV appearances. 
Jimmy Page overviewed the production of both CD and DVD, and denied the rumor of a reunion of the surviving Led Zep members.

March 25th  2003 : More Bill Wyman shows on sale in France

Additional dates are available for the Bill Wyman & the Rhythm Kings french tour. Other shows on sale soon. Click HERE and see my up-to-date Wyman - Taylor page.

March 25th  2003 : Macca live from Paris

The ones among you who love the Beatles too will be able to listen to the 1st song of the Paris show. French radio RFM will broadcast it live tonite.

March 24th  2003 : More european opening acts announced

The Counting Crows have confirmed that they will open the Vienna show. 
The Hellacopters are rumored for the Stockholm Cirkus club show. All details by scrolling down the Licks Tour page.

March 24th  2003 : RSFC tickets available for the 3 spanish shows.

Once you have your membership number, you'll be able to get your tickets by phone. Cick HERE to go to the RSFC.

March 21st  2003 : Japan Tour over

The Stones played their last japanese show today in Osaka. If everything goes as planned, they will go on with the asian tour, starting with 2 shows in Singapore next week ( March 24th and 26th). 

March 17th  2003 : All 3 spanish shows are official now.

After Madrid and Barcelona, Bilbao has be confirmed. The show will take place at the San Mames Stadium on June 25th.   source IORR
Tickets on sale March 25th. All details on the Licks Tour page.

March 14th  2003 : Marianne Faithfull on french and german TV

TV channel Arte will broadcast a show called Music Planet 2nite hosting Marianne Faithfull and Ginger Ale. She will perform 6 songs, but no Stones cover. Show will be aired Tuesday March 18th 23:00 CET (22:00 GMT). Arte is available in France, Germany, and some more countries by cable or satellite.

March  12th 2003 :   China's forbidden Stones songs. 

After having banned Brown Sugar, Honky Tonk Women, Beast of Burden and Let's Spend the Night Together from the Chinese edition of Forty Licks, the Chinese government also ordered the Stones not to perform any of these songs during their Beijing and Shanghai concerts.  It seems that the band had to submit a list of the songs they plan to play in China.
Will the Stones end up playing Let's spend SOME TIME together ?

March  9th 2003 :   Glasgow confirmed in September. 

The Stones will play Glasgow on Sep. 1st  and Sep. 3rd at the 8,500 capacity SECC.  Source Sundaymail
Public ticket sale to start on March 21st.
All rumored September UK dates on the Tour pages .  

March  6th 2003 :   Prague confirmed. 

The show that might be this tour's biggest attendance has been confirmed : Sunday July 27th at the Letna Park in Prague.
Mick will probably have a great birthday party this year !    RSFC presale already online.  

March  5th 2003 :   More european dates rumored. 

Almost certain : Barcelona arena show at the Palau San Jordi on June 29th. More spanish dates likely to be announced.
Additional UK dates rumored in September in following venues : Glasgow SECC, Birmingham NIA , Manchester MEN Arena.

March  5th 2003 :   Goodbye Australia 

Next step : Japan. Will be remembered : Angus and Malcolm Young from AC/DC at the Enmore, shorter set lists, and a couple of not often performed songs : Dead fowers / All down the line. 

March  4th 2003 :   Thailand confirmed 

It's official now, the Stones will play the Impact Arena in Bangkok on April 8th.
RSFC sales start on March 4th, Public sales on March 8th.  Click HERE !

March  4th 2003 :   Mick Taylor on the road 

After his UK dates, Mick Taylor will go to Finland.
French concerts are planned for September. Go to the Wyman -Taylor page for details.

March  4th 2003 :   Paris  extra tickets sold out, Marseille almost sold out too     

The extra tix recently put on sale for the Stade de France are gone ( only 8 left).
Less than 1,000 tix are left for the Stade Vélodrome show in Marseille. Hurry up, gents !

March  2nd  2003 :   Shanghaï & Beijing confirmed  

The Stones will play in Shangai on April 1st and Beijing on April 4th. The tickets for these 2 indoor shows (about 8,000 capacity each) will be expensive (up to USD/EUR 750), and not affordable to most chinese people. 
The Stones have accepted to play for less money than usual, and part of the proceeds will go to caritative associations.
Local rock star Cui Jian will be the opener, if he gets the necessary authorisation from the chinese government. He usually is not allowed to perform in front of big audiences because of his taking part to the 1989 demonstrations at Tien An Men Square.    (source Yahoo! news)

Feb  24th  2003 :   Bangalore (India) show to be broadcast too 

The Stones' very 1st concert in India will be filmed and broadcast (at least in India) within 4 weeks after the event. The Mumbia (Bombay) show is not certain yet because of discussions between local promoters and India's tax administration. 
More info : click HERE      (source IORR)

Feb  24th  2003 :   More Front of stage tickets on sale in Germany  

The Munich, Oberhausen, Leipzig, Hamburg and Hannover shows have new FOS tix available online, and WITHOUT need of  RSFC membership. Seems that most of these tix are December's cancellations put on sale for a 2nd time. 
No FOS anymore for Hockenheim and Berlin (yet)
Go to Getgo if interested

Feb  21st  2003 :   Japan gets one more show in Yokohama 

The Stones will play the longly rumored show at the Yokohama Arena on March 12th (capacity :17,000) . The DeLuxe concert package including the Tokyo Budokan show ant this newly scheduled one is already on sale. CLICK HERE
If you stay there longer, you might  see Kiss in the same Yokohama Arena on March 15th, or at Budokan on March 11th, 12th and 13th...

Feb  20th  2003 :  India confirmed    

A new big event for the Stones on this tour : their first ever shows in India !! 
April 11th in Bangalore (Palace Grounds)  and april 14th in Mumbia aka Bombay (Brabourne Stadium)

Feb  1 9th  2003 :  Asian Tour stops in Singapore    

The Stones will play 2 shows at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on March 24th and 26th. The venue has an approx. 7 to 8,000 seats capacity. Tickets on sale soon at http://www.sistic.com.sg/tkevents/rollings.htm .

Feb  18 th  2003 :  The Rolling Stones' return gift to Australia   

For their first Australian show since the Voodoo Lounge Tour, the Stones offered a very special club concert to their fans down under.     Special guests Angus and Malcolm Young from AC/DC came onstage to play on Rock Me Baby. Other points to be noticed : the show started with Midnight Rambler, and neither Jumping Jack Flash nor Don’t Stop have been played.

Feb  1 8th  2003  :  What else is going on ?   

The Stones are not the only artists touring in Europe this year. You will also be able to see Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor (see special page).  If you have some money left, here’s a list of other bands/artists who may play close to where you live : Bruce Springsteen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Deep Purple, Metallica, Iron Maiden and… Paul Mc Cartney.  The youngest readers could also want to see Robbie Williams, Shakira or Eminem…

No recommandations, just wanted to let you know… 

Feb  15th  2003 : Hong Kong confirmed !!!!   

The two shows rumored at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on March 28 and 29 are confirmed on the Rolling Stones official website. Public sale will start on Feb. 20th. Keep yourself informed on my Tour dates page.

When the Stones played in Hong Kong for the first time in 1973, the city was a British territory. Things have changed, and coming back to Hong Kong is the opportunity for the Stones to play  their very first concert in China.

Feb  14th  2003 : All Paris shows sold out   

There's only 2 ways left to get tix for the Stade de France show in Paris : the RSFC (with a 95 $ membership), or the coach+concert packages sold to people from other french cities or from Belgium.

Feb  12th  2003 : Hong Kong probably gets 2 indoor shows   

The Hong Kong Standart seems to confirm that 2 shows will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on March 28 and 29.

Feb  11 th  2003 : China shows almost officially confirmed   

Chinese concert promoter and press confirmed the Stones are going to play 2 shows (Beijing and Shanghai) in April, even if nothing is signed yet.  Source : Yahoo! News

Feb  8 th  2003 : Budokan show added in Tokyo   

Before playing the 2 Tokyo Dome shows, the Stones will give a concert on March 10th at the Tokyo Budokan Hall. This 14,000 seats venue is to be compared to the 55,000 seats at the Dome (base ball configuration).  Will the next step be adding a club gig in Tokyo ?

Feb  7 th  2003 : Goodbye Wembley Towers...  

The legendary Wembley stadium, where many great rock bands had the opportunity to perform will disappear today, Friday Feb 7th 2003. If you want to see the destruction of the unforgettable Towers, connect yourself on http://www.whatsonwembley.com/  or on http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/sport/wembley/index.shtml at 02:00 PM (UK time), or 03:00 PM (CET).

Feb  4 th  2003 : Belgium or not Belgium  

It seems official by now that the Stones fans from Belgium won't have the opportunity to see their favorite band in their homeland. Belgium is surrounded by countries with multiple shows on sale : France, Germany, The Netherlands.

French site www.fnac.com sells tickets including transportation from many belgian cities to the Stade de France show in Paris. 

Jan  29 th  2003 : Milan confirmed  

Good news for italian fans, Milan show on June 10th. RSFC tix on sale Feb. 1st.

Jan  28 th  2003 : Twickenham 2 on sale !!!!!!      More UK shows ?  

The 2nd Twickenham show in Aug 24th is on sale on the official fan club site !!! It started very late in the night for Europe, probably because the website is located in California.   Watch out for public sale within a few days on ticketmaster UK.  2 more UK dates may be added in September a the Glasgow SECC according to the Sundaymail. The SECC is a relatively "small" venue with a 8,500 capacity.

All confirmed dates and ticket info on my TOUR DATES page

Jan  25 th  2003 : More rumored shows.  

After a confirmed second Amsterdam ArenA stadium show ( a 6th concert in the Netherlands), some more shows seem to be on discuss :

Japan : Yokohama - India : Bangalore & Bombay - China : Shanghaï & Beijing (both indoor) - Thailand : Bangkok  - Hong Kong - Singapore

Jan  24 th  2003 : Paris Deluxe

The RSFC will put their VIP packages on sale for the 3 Paris shows on jan 27th.

For $ 2.850, you'll have access to all 3 shows with the usual "VIP" treating and stay for 7 days and 6 nights at the Libertel Terminus Nord Hotel. All details in the RSFC's forthcoming email.

Jan  20 th  2003 : French concerts

I told you a few days ago that the french stadium shows are going to be sold out quickly now ( Olympia and POPB sold out for weeks)

See below the GLOBAL amount of tickets that are still available ....  Situation on Jan 19th (evening) :

SDF   :  Cat 6 (pelouse) : 182        Vélodrome : Cat 1 : 619     Cat 2 : 450     Pelouse : 1031

Jan 14 th 2003 : Austrian concert

Additional tickets for the Rolling Stones show in Vienna will go on sale on January 16th.       Go to my TOUR DATES page for a link to the austrian online reservation service.