The Time The Rolling Stones Hired The Hell’S Angels For Security At A Concert—And It Ended In Disaster

March 20, 2025

It was a warm December day in 1969 when The Rolling Stones were gearing up for what would become one of the most infamous concerts in rock history. The band was excited to play at the Altamont Speedway in California, a free concert meant to be a celebration of music and peace. They wanted the event to be a powerful experience for their fans, a chance to spread joy and love through their music. But as the day approached, they knew they needed help to keep things safe. After some discussions, they made the bold and controversial decision to hire the Hell’s Angels as security.

The Hell’s Angels were known for their tough reputation, and many people were nervous about their involvement. But the Stones believed that the Angels would bring a rough edge that matched the rebellious spirit of their music. On the day of the concert, thousands of fans gathered, buzzing with excitement. However, as the band took the stage, the atmosphere began to shift. The Angels, fueled by alcohol and the chaotic energy of the crowd, started using their fists to control the unruly fans. Suddenly, a concert that was meant to be a joyous celebration turned into something dark and dangerous.

As the band played, Mick Jagger, the lead singer, could see the chaos growing in front of him. It was heartbreaking to watch people getting hurt in what was supposed to be a gathering filled with love and music. The desperation in the crowd was palpable. Jagger and the band tried to keep playing, pouring their hearts into the songs, hoping that the music would restore some peace. But it felt like trying to hold back a tidal wave. At one point, things spiraled completely out of control when a young man, who was trying to get on stage, was fatally stabbed by an Angel. The life of a fan had been lost, and the shock sent ripples through everyone present.

After the concert, the fallout was immense. While the Stones were just trying to spread their message of freedom and unity, they found themselves at the center of controversy. Critics lambasted them for hiring the Hell’s Angels, and many fans were devastated by the violence that had marred the concert. However, Mick Jagger refused to let this tragedy define them. He dug deep into his love for music and his belief in its power to heal. Instead of retreating from the public eye, the band decided to use their platform to promote peace and understanding.

In the weeks and months that followed, Jagger and the band channeled their emotions and experiences into their music. Their next album, “Sticky Fingers,” reflected the depth of their feelings about love, loss, and resilience. Mick often spoke about how music could be a powerful force for change. The tragedy at Altamont became a turning point in their careers. Instead of fading away, they emerged stronger, determined to keep making music that resonated with people on a deeper level.

Looking back, the Altamont concert serves as a stark reminder of how quickly joy can turn into sorrow. But for Jagger and The Rolling Stones, it also showed their resilience and their unyielding passion for music. They learned that even in the darkest moments, music could bring people together and inspire hope. As they continued to play, they became symbols of perseverance, proving that even after facing immense challenges, art could rise triumphantly from the ashes. Music, they discovered, was more than just entertainment; it was a lifeline that connected all of us, no matter the circumstances.