At the beginning of 1967, the band released their sixth album “Between the Buttons”, which they promoted during a European tour. Initially, Poland was not taken into account in her plans. However, it so happened that a few days before the performance in Moscow, the USSR authorities did not grant them permission to enter the country. Then the idea was born to sing live for the Polish audience instead. This was to particularly delight Władysław Gomułka’s granddaughters, who influenced his final decision.
The first Rolling Stones concert behind the Iron Curtain. The sight of Warsaw left them stunned
The musicians landed at the Okęcie Airport in Warsaw a day before the planned April 12, and the conditions they found were drastically different from those they were used to. They stayed at the Orbis-Europejski hotel, although according to some sources their base was Bristol, located across the street. Years later, they recalled that the PRL decor left them stunned, not to mention the food and lack of access to radio and television. Their companion was the renowned music photographer and journalist, Marek Karewicz, and it was thanks to him that they tasted real Polish vodka on the first evening. However, they could not visit Warsaw because fans were waiting for them on all sides. – They hid behind doors whenever we looked at them – Bill Wyman, who was the group’s bassist from 1962 to 1992.
However, it is certain that the Stones’ concert in the capital was a spectacular event for Poles, as their songs were the most desired on the black market. Although most fans could not take part in it because the tickets were divided among themselves by party members, many found a way to listen to them live. It is estimated that the Congress Hall where the event took place can accommodate “only” 2.5 thousand people. people, there were even twice as many people at the British band’s performance.
How much did the Stones earn for performing in Poland? They only had enough for a hotel
The support band was a popular Polish band at that time, whose keyboardist, , supposedly helped Brian Jones when his organ cable burned out. The nervous atmosphere affected everyone, because the musicians quickly realized that the hall in which they were going to play was not acoustically adapted at all. For fans, it wasn’t a problem. They went wild with joy in front of the stage, even though they were surrounded by the police and army. – Every time people stood up and applauded or shouted, officials pushed past them and reprimanded them – said the musician. – We were powerless on stage, but it was terrible to watch how spontaneous human reactions were repressed – he added.
In total, the Stones played 6 songs during one performance, although the plan was to play one less because the fee allowed. Only when the concertgoers started chanting “Ajkengetno” did they decide to add the mentioned hit, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, to their repertoire. – There was no money in it, our fee was bordering on a handout – claimed Wyman. There were even rumors that the amount they earned was just enough to cover the costs of their hotel stay, while others claimed that they spent the entire amount on vodka supplies. What is certain, however, is what they did after the concert ended. Outraged by the brutal reaction of the militia towards the fans, they decided to compensate them for their sacrifice. So they took to the streets with boxes of vinyl, giving away about 100 copies in total.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
