This Could Be The Last Time -- The First Time

As we charge full force into the 21st Century, may people are amazed that the Rolling Stones are still on the road. Bridges to Babylon is their umpteenth world tour and will keep the band traveling for more than a year. A few people rushed to purchase tickets for the tour because, after all, they are in their fifties and THIS COULD BE THE LAST TIME! Most fans know that the naysayers have been saying that for 30 years. What most people don't know is that the first time could have been the last time

On June 1, 1964, the Stones flew to America for their first US tour. The band was not as popular as they were in their home country. The truth be told, they were virtually unknown. About 500 fans turned up to greet them at Kennedy airport. At one point the band was trapped in their hotel rooms as rabid fans with scissors roam the halls hoping to get a souvenir. Outside New York it was a different story.

The tour was less than ideal to begin with, so it's no wonder things got bad really fast.. First of all, the Stones would have to share the billing with Bobby Vee, The Chiffons, Bobby Goldsboro and Bobby Comstock. Their entire set was only 20 minutes long. At the San Antonio State Fair they are forced to play on a water tank full of trained seals. One can just imagine what they had to say about that! They made a guest appearance on the Hollywood Palace Show and hot Dean Martin insulted them continuously. It must have seemed like the whole Midwest was against the band - with the Midwest winning.

The only high point of the tour came while in Chicago the band recorded a few tracks at the famous Chess studios. They were able to meet their hero Muddy Waters. Muddy obviously took a shine to the lads and over the years has repeatedly referred to the Stones as "my boys." One of the songs recorded at these sessions, "It's All Over Now," by Bobby Womack, became the group's first US hit.