The Rolling Stones haven't played London's Hyde Park for nearly 45 years, and the last time the band played there was kind of a big deal, but that doesn't mean fans should expect a historical reenactment of the band's 1969 show.
"This is no exercise in nostalgia," Mick Jagger told the Evening Standard about the band's upcoming performance this weekend. "This is a big gig. It's in Hyde Park and yes, we played here before. In 1969 it was a big occasion. But this will have its own moments. It won't be a reflection of other moments."
The Stones played Hyde Park last during 1969 in what was to be a massive free concert introducing new guitarist Mick Taylor to the world. However two days before the show, fellow guitarist Brian Jones died, and the event was dedicated to his memory. Vocalist Jagger read a poem by Percy Shelley and hundreds of white butterflies were released in Jones's honor.
"I'm sure it'll evoke lots of memories," Jagger said of the upcoming concert before reminiscing on the 1969 show. "I remember the day, but you're not sure whether what you remember is the film or what you really remember."
Jagger did comment that the band's new stage at Hyde Park will be much bigger than the previous one.
The show will be the Stones' last scheduled tour dates as part of the "50 & Counting Tour" commemorating the band's fiftieth year. The group performed as the headliners at the Glastonbury Music Festival last Saturday, the band's first performance at the event in its near 40 years of existence.
