It’s a first for the Stones in ‘82

FOR Jagger, Richards and co, it was a far cry from their earliest appearances in Newcastle.

The city’s musical relationship with the Rolling Stones dated back to the early 1960s and the small, sweaty confines of the Club a’Gogo on Percy Street.

But on this day 35 years ago, Mick, Keith and the boys would break new ground, becoming the first major act to play in concert at St James’ Park, home of Newcastle United.

In the years that followed, Bob Dylan Bruce Springsteen, Queen and others would follow in their footsteps at the Toon’s stadium.

Back on June 23, 1982 the Stones were in the middle of a European tour in support of their Tattoo You album, and it was six years since UK audiences had seen them in the flesh.

Under a headline of ‘Jumping Jack Splash’, the Chronicle gave the big show high-profile coverage.

“The drizzle reigned all night but by nightfall Mick’s magic had rained down on 38,000 fans drying their spirits and rekindling the fire of good old rock’n’roll,” we reported.

“Their sell out concert at St James’ Park was a mesmerising spectacle, a non-stop musical party, an unqualified success.”

Queues had formed outside the venue in the early hours ahead of the doors opening at 2pm.

For hungry fans, hot dogs were on sale for 50p, and hamburgers 60p.

As for merchandise, you could pick up a tour sweatshirt for £7.

Support came from George Thorogood and the Destroyers, and the J Geils Band who’d recently enjoyed a huge hit on both sides of the Atlantic with Centrefold.

Back on the night, the band members, who had