The Diary Entry From A Stones Roadie Who Said “Touring With Them Was Like Living In A Hurricane”

April 1, 2025

The sun had barely risen when I found myself scribbling furiously in my diary. The last show in Chicago was electric, and I could still feel the vibrations of the crowd pulsing through my veins. Touring with the Rolling Stones was unlike anything I had ever imagined. It was like living in a hurricane—wild, chaotic, and filled with raw energy. I had joined them as a roadie, thinking I would help set up their equipment and maybe catch a glimpse of Mick Jagger or Keith Richards. But what I found was a whirlwind that swept me off my feet, filling every moment with excitement and a sense of purpose.

Each city we visited was a new adventure. One night, I remember standing backstage as the band prepared to take the stage. The roar of the audience was like thunder, reverberating in my chest. When Mick stepped out, the crowd erupted, and for a moment, it felt like the world had stopped. This was not just a concert; it was a communion between the band and the fans, a celebration of life and music. I watched in awe as the band’s passion turned the arena into a furnace of emotions, igniting a fire in everyone present. It was hard work, but seeing the joy on the faces of the fans made every late night and long day worth it.

But touring also had its storms. The pressures of fame weighed heavily on the band. Just a few weeks into the tour, Keith faced his own demons that threatened to pull him under. One evening, after a particularly grueling show, I found him sitting alone in his dressing room, guitar in hand but spirit visibly drained. I thought about how easy it could be to lose oneself in the chaos, to feel like you were going to be swallowed whole by the hurricane swirling around you. But then, with a deep breath, Keith began to strum softly. The music flowed from him like a lifeline, and I could see that even in the darkest moments, he had the power to rise above the storm.

In those instances, I learned a profound lesson about resilience. The band did not shy away from their struggles; instead, they faced them head-on through their music. They turned the chaos of their lives into something beautiful, something that spoke to everyone. It was in those moments that I realized the hurricane was not just a force of nature; it was a force of creativity. It challenged them, but it also fueled their passion. The Stones were more than just a band—they were a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and they inspired me to embrace my own storms.

After the tour ended, I closed my diary and reflected on the whirlwind journey I had just experienced. I had witnessed incredible performances and the heart of a band that refused to give up, no matter the odds. I learned that life would always throw challenges our way, but it was how we chose to face those challenges that defined us. The Rolling Stones showed me that even in the midst of a hurricane, we can find our way, fueled by our passions and supported by those around us.

As I look back on my time with them, I cherish each chaotic moment, every joyful scream from the crowd, and each note played in defiance of the struggles they faced. Touring with the Stones forever changed my life; it taught me to dance in the rain, to embrace my own hurricanes, and to let the music guide me through. It’s a lesson I carry with me to this day, reminding me that even in the wildest storms, there’s beauty, strength, and a chance to create something extraordinary.