Stones roll into Toon

N his bestselling book 'Never A Dull Moment: Rock's Golden Year', the writer and broadcaster David Hepworth argues that 1971 was the greatest of them all.

- By DAVID MORTON

There were pivotal album releases from The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Rod Stewart, Marvin Gaye, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, the solo Beatles and more.

And during that same 12-month period 55 years ago, many of those now-legendary artists would stop off in our region and grace the stage of Newcastle City Hall.

On Thursday, March 4, 1971, The Rolling Stones played two shows - a matinee and an evening performance - at the Northumberland Road venue, marking the opening dates of their first UK tour since 1967. They were supported by British blues band The Groundhogs.

More than 4,000 fans would watch the two sold-out concerts, with the cheapest tickets priced at 75p in the recently decimalised UK.

The Evening Chronicle reported how touts were selling them for as much as £10 and £15.