Richard BodinThe Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus: A Timeless Classic
On December 11, 1968, the heart of Swinging London beat under a circus tent. The Rolling Stones hosted their legendary Rock and Roll Circus, a dazzling fusion of music, performance art, and spectacle. “You know Oxford Circus, you know Piccadilly Circus—here is the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus,” announced Mick Jagger, dressed as a flamboyant ringmaster. Surrounded by performers in colorful costumes, Jagger set the stage for an unforgettable event.
A Psychedelic Circus Atmosphere
This wasn’t just a concert—it was a true psychedelic festival. The audience donned colorful capes, adding to the vibrant, almost surreal ambiance beneath the big top. Between performances, acrobats swung from trapezes, fire-eaters dazzled, and the entire tent buzzed with electric energy.
Even the musicians embraced the whimsical spirit:
- Jethro Tull‘s Ian Anderson stood on one leg, playing his flute like a circus acrobat.
- The Who’s Keith Moon acted like a jester, tossing drumsticks and clowning around, while Pete Townshend leapt and windmilled his way through their set with wild abandon.
The Dirty Mac: A One-Night-Only Supergroup
The star power at the Rock and Roll Circus was unparalleled. In addition to The Who, Taj Mahal, and the ethereal Marianne Faithfull, the event featured a one-time-only supergroup: The Dirty Mac.
This dream lineup included:
- John Lennon (The Beatles)
- Eric Clapton (Cream)
- Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones)
- Mitch Mitchell (The Jimi Hendrix Experience)
The Dirty Mac delivered a raucous rendition of Yer Blues from The Beatles’ White Album. However, the performance took a turn when Yoko Ono joined the stage. Her unconventional “vocals” have been compared to a distressed cat—a divisive moment that still sparks discussion among fans today.
The Rolling Stones: A Show-Stopping Finale
The Rolling Stones closed the show with a performance that cemented their place in rock and roll history. Mick Jagger, radiating energy, strutted across the stage, captivating the audience with his electrifying presence.
- Keith Richards delivered fiery riffs that had the crowd roaring.
- Brian Jones, with his angelic but haunting aura, showcased his multi-instrumental talents despite his visible fragility.1
The pinnacle of the performance was Sympathy for the Devil, where Jagger seemed possessed, leading the audience into a frenzy with its primal rhythms. The evening concluded with an emotional, communal rendition of Salt of the Earth, leaving fans in awe.
Reliving History Through the DVD
Fast forward to 2005, and the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus DVD remains a treasure trove for music lovers. As David Dalton aptly puts it, “This is a time capsule. Two days in December 1968 that captured the spontaneity, aspirations, and communal spirit of the time.”
Must-See Bonus Features
The DVD’s bonus content enhances the experience for rock history enthusiasts:
- Unreleased Footage: Additional performances by Taj Mahal and pianist Julius Katchen.
- Backstage Moments: Rare behind-the-scenes footage.
- Photo Gallery: Stunning visuals capturing the circus spirit.
- Modern Remix: A reimagined Sympathy for the Devil by Fatboy Slim.
- Exclusive Interview: Insightful commentary by Pete Townshend on the event’s creation and unforgettable moments.
Why the Rock and Roll Circus Still Resonates
The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus isn’t just a concert film—it’s a snapshot of a groundbreaking era in rock music. From Mick Jagger’s electrifying charisma to The Who’s wild antics and the debut of The Dirty Mac, this event encapsulates the raw energy and innovation that defined 1960s rock and roll.
Rediscover this iconic performance and immerse yourself in a piece of music history with the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus DVD—a must-have for any fan of classic rock.
- Brian Jones had spent the day in tears, with Mick Jagger trying to lift his spirits. Everyone knew it would be his final appearance with the Rolling Stones. What no one could have foreseen was that Brian would pass away shortly afterward. ↩︎
