The Time The Rolling Stones Opened For Little Richard — And Were Too Nervous To Move

April 1, 2025

The year was 1964, and The Rolling Stones were on the brink of becoming rock legends. They had just released their first album in the United Kingdom, but they were still a relatively unknown band, trying to find their place in the music world. Their big break came when they were invited to open for none other than Little Richard, the self-proclaimed “King of Rock and Roll.” For Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and the rest of the band, this was a moment they had dreamed about—a chance to share the stage with one of their biggest idols.

As they arrived at the venue, the anticipation was electric. The crowd was buzzing with excitement for Little Richard, whose energetic performances and flamboyant style had inspired countless musicians, including the young members of The Rolling Stones. They could hear the cheers and shouts for Little Richard from backstage, which filled them with a mixture of thrill and panic. Standing in the dimly lit green room, Jagger paced back and forth, his heart racing. Keith tried to lighten the mood with some jokes, but even they couldn’t shake the nerves that wrapped around the band like a heavy blanket.

When it was finally time to go on stage, the reality of the moment hit them. As they stepped into the spotlight, their hearts felt like they were pounding in their throats. With Little Richard having just rocked the crowd, the band knew they had to bring their A-game, but they were overwhelmed by the presence of the audience. They stood there, frozen for what felt like an eternity, the weight of the moment pressing down on them. Jagger glanced at Richards, who gave a slight nod, and that was all it took. They took a deep breath and launched into their first song.

As the music filled the air, the nerves began to fade, replaced by the pure joy of performing. The crowd was taken aback by the raw energy of The Rolling Stones, who poured their hearts into every chord. By the end of their set, the audience was clapping and cheering—something they never expected. It was that night, in front of a crowd that had come to see someone else, that The Rolling Stones truly found their identity as performers. They realized that music was their passion, and their determination to succeed fueled their desire to keep going.

After the show, Little Richard approached the young band with a warm smile and words of encouragement. He recognized their potential and told them to keep pushing the boundaries of rock and roll. That brief encounter with a music legend left a lasting impression on The Rolling Stones, igniting a fire within them. They understood then that they needed to harness their uniqueness and resilience to carve out their path in the music industry.

In the years that followed, The Rolling Stones would go on to become one of the most iconic rock bands in history. They would play to millions and create music that would stand the test of time. But it was that very first performance, when they were too nervous to move, that shaped their journey. They learned that it’s not about how you start, but how you rise to the occasion and let your passion shine through, no matter how daunting the challenge. Every note they played from that night on carried the spirit of Little Richard’s encouragement, reminding them to embrace their fear and turn it into something beautiful.