The Rolling Stones’ European Tour of 1973 was a whirlwind of music, spectacle, and behind-the-scenes drama. Following the release of their album Goats Head Soup, the band embarked on a series of performances that showcased their status as rock and roll legends. Over 42 shows in 22 cities, the tour became one of their most memorable, marked by high-energy performances, packed venues, and significant transitions within the band.
The Release of Goats Head Soup
The tour began on September 1, 1973, just days after the release of Goats Head Soup on August 31. The album, featuring hits like “Angie” and “Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker),” had already created a buzz. It marked a stylistic shift for the Stones, moving away from the raw sound of earlier records like Exile on Main St. to a more polished production. This tour served as an opportunity to introduce these new songs to their fans while revisiting their classic hits.
The Tour Kickoff in Vienna
The tour’s opening show at the Stadthalle in Vienna set the tone for what was to come. The performance drew fans from across Europe, including figures like Yuri Kurinoff from the Soviet Union’s Ministry of Culture—a rare acknowledgment of Western music’s cultural influence. For many, this concert was their first chance to see the Rolling Stones live, and the band did not disappoint. Mick Jagger’s charismatic stage presence, Keith Richards’ guitar riffs, and the tight rhythm section powered through a setlist that combined new tracks with fan favorites.
Touring West Germany and Beyond
From Austria, the Stones moved on to West Germany, performing in cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Essen. These shows highlighted the logistical challenges of organizing a large-scale rock tour in the 1970s. Transporting equipment, managing security, and ensuring the band’s safety required meticulous planning. Each venue brought its own quirks, from acoustics to crowd dynamics, but the Stones’ team adapted, ensuring the show went on without a hitch.
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The venues ranged from large halls to mid-sized arenas, creating an intimate yet electrifying atmosphere. Fans packed these spaces, eager to experience the raw energy of the Stones live. In some cases, the band played two shows in a single day, a testament to their stamina and dedication to their audience.
Highlights of the Empire Pool Performances
One of the tour’s standout moments came during the Stones’ four performances at the Empire Pool in London. These shows brought the band back to their home turf, where they were greeted by enthusiastic crowds. The setlists included a mix of songs from Goats Head Soup and older hits like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Brown Sugar.” Jagger’s theatrical flair was on full display, with costume changes and his signature dance moves captivating the audience.
Behind the scenes, the Empire Pool concerts were a logistical feat. The crew worked tirelessly to transform the arena into a space suitable for the Stones’ elaborate stage setup. This included advanced lighting rigs and sound equipment, which were cutting-edge for the time. The effort paid off, with fans and critics praising the shows as some of the best of the tour.
Scandinavian Shows and Audience Reactions
The Scandinavian leg of the tour took the Stones to Denmark and Sweden, where they performed to sold-out crowds. These shows stood out for their intimate settings, which allowed fans to feel closer to the band. The audiences in these countries were known for their enthusiasm, and the Stones fed off this energy, delivering performances that many described as electrifying.
One notable aspect of the Scandinavian shows was the diversity of the audience. Fans ranged from teenagers discovering the Stones for the first time to older listeners who had followed the band since their early days. This wide appeal underscored the band’s ability to transcend generations and connect with people from different walks of life.
The Netherlands and Belgium
In the Netherlands and Belgium, the Stones continued to captivate audiences with their high-energy performances. The band’s chemistry was evident, with each member bringing their unique talents to the stage. Mick Taylor’s guitar solos added a layer of sophistication to the music, while Charlie Watts’ steady drumming provided a solid foundation.
These shows also featured moments of spontaneity that made each performance unique. Jagger’s interactions with the crowd, impromptu jams, and slight variations in the setlist kept fans on their toes. The unpredictability of the Stones’ live performances was a key part of their appeal, and this tour was no exception.
The band faced logistical hurdles, including transporting equipment across borders and dealing with the varying regulations of different countries. Security was another concern, as the Stones’ popularity made them a target for overzealous fans and, at times, local authorities.
Additionally, the intense schedule took a toll on the band members. Performing multiple shows in a day, traveling between cities, and maintaining the high energy required for their performances was exhausting. However, the Stones’ professionalism and passion for their music kept them going, ensuring that each show lived up to their fans’ expectations.
Mick Taylor’s Final Performances
The tour’s conclusion in West Berlin marked the end of an era for the Rolling Stones. Mick Taylor, whose guitar work had been an integral part of the band’s sound, played his final live performance with the Stones at the Deutschlandhalle. His departure was a significant moment in the band’s history, as his melodic style and technical skill had defined much of their work during his tenure.
Taylor’s exit added a bittersweet note to the tour’s finale. While fans celebrated the success of the European Tour, they also bid farewell to a guitarist whose contributions had elevated the band’s music. The Deutschlandhalle performance was a fitting end to a tour that had showcased the Stones at their best.
The Stones’ Setlists and Musical Evolution
Throughout the tour, the Rolling Stones’ setlists highlighted their evolving sound. Songs from Goats Head Soup took center stage, with tracks like “Angie” becoming crowd favorites. These new songs were complemented by classics such as “Tumbling Dice,” “Gimme Shelter,” and “Honky Tonk Women,” ensuring that fans experienced the full range of the Stones’ musical repertoire.
The live performances also showcased the band’s ability to reinterpret their studio recordings. Extended jams, altered arrangements, and improvisations added a fresh dimension to familiar songs. This creativity kept the shows exciting, even for fans who had seen the band perform before.
