The Rolling Stones performed for the first time in London on July 12, 1962, and they had been expected to celebrate their 50^th anniversary on a world tour later this year.

But the legendary rock ‘n’ roll band delayed its 50^th anniversary world tour until 2013. That’s when band members said at the London Film Festival that they are going to perform. The festival was where their documentary film “Crossfire Hurricane” was shown.

The film, made by director Brett Morgen, will be screened in cinemas in October and then broadcast by BBC2 later in the year. It includes some exclusive material about the band which has never been revealed. Moreover, there are comments from both present and former band members.

Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Mick Jagger arrived to attend the gala screening of “Crossfire Hurricane.” They were joined on the red carpet by former Stone Bill Wyman, who said he hoped that the film captured the influence of founder member and guitarist Brian Jones, who died in 1969. He said: “I’m glad he’s remembered, that’s the most important thing.”

Recording in the studio and performing

Earlier it was reported that health of Keith Richards is the reason for the delay, as there were doubts that he would be able to commit to a full world tour. But he insisted that playing in 2013 would be a more fitting half-century anniversary, “The Stones always considered 1963 to be 50 years, because Charlie [Watts, drummer] didn’t actually join until January,” he said. “We look upon 2012 as sort of the year of conception, but the birth is next year.”

Keith Richards said, ”Basically, we’re just not ready. I have a feeling that’s [2013] more realistic.”

But a couple of days ago the guitarist said the band are sounding “up to and above par” in rehearsals in Paris. He added: “I can’t believe how well the band is sounding.”

Wood said, ”You would think it would be boring doing the same thing over and over again but it’s not. It’s totally fresh and totally new every time we get together. There’s a chemistry between us every time we get together and I don’t know what the hell it is but it’s magic”.

He was also asked about a possible tour: “Once this wheel is turning I don’t think it will be able to stop so hopefully the momentum it gathers by doing the O2 and the gigs in Newark, we won’t be able to stop.”

The band will play to 40,000 people during their two nights at the O2 in London, on November 25 and November 29. These concerts are dedicated to the 50^th anniversary of the first performance of the band on the stage. Also the Stones will play two more shows in Newark, New Jersey in December.

The cheapest tickets were sold out to the concerts, taking place at London O2 Arena and costing £106, in three minutes. The most expensive tickets, costing £406, were also sold out too fast, in just four minutes. Right at the advent of tickets fans of the band rushed to buy them.

Image Courtesy of  The Rolling Stones

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About the author

Adelya Valeeva
My name is Adelya and I'm from Russia. I love meeting new and interesting, bright people. You can always contact me via Twitter: @Just__Elle