Rolling Stones fans are being urged to Come On down to Fletchers Bar on King’s Heath’s York Road on Sunday 24 September where Satisfaction is guaranteed as King’s Heath Walk Of Fame celebrates the 54th Anniversary of the Rolling Stones first ever performance in Birmingham at the old Ritz Ballroom.
Formed in London in 1962 by Brian Jones after he met up with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards who had been childhood friends, the Rolling Stones started out as a blues group taking their name from the title of a song by Muddy Waters. For the whole of 1962 they played exclusively in the London area. But all that changed on 7 June 1963 after they released their first single a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Come On”.
Just a few months later on 14 September 1963 they played one of their first ever gigs outside London and their first ever in Birmingham at King’s Heath’s Ritz Ballroom. Joining Brian, Mick and Keith on the tiny stage were Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts. The day after they returned to London to play at the Great Pop Prom at the Royal Albert Hall! And when they returned to Birmingham the following year they played the much larger venues of the Hippodrome and the Town Hall. They then went onto become the world’s greatest Rock and Roll Band selling over 200 million albums.
From 3 to 6 pm some great local musicians including Acoustica, Goodall, The Eggmen, Nanker Phelge, Ant’s Cover Up,The Mighty Crawdaddys and Harmonica Bob and Oz plus more to be added will perform their interpretations of classic Rolling Stones songs at Fletchers Bar & Eatery directly opposite the burnt down ruins of the old Ritz Ballroom.
Fans are being urged to get their tickets now for this hugely popular annual event that usually sells out in advance.
Tickets cost just £4 in advance from the Kitchen Garden Cafe,
£4.40 from www.wegottickets.com/event/411886
or £5 on the door if any are left
Joint organisers Bob Prew and Ken Whittaker said “KIng’s Heath’s York Road will be rocking on Sept 24 to the sounds of the greatest rock’n’roll band in the world. While our mini festival may not make up for the cancellation of the annual Street Party, satisfaction is guaranteed to all those who come on down to Fletchers Bar opposite the burnt down ruins of the old Ritz Ballroom and help commemorate The Rolling Stones Birmingham Debut”.
Further Information
Bob Prew – 0121 689 2360 or 07779 782240
www.kingsheathwalkoffame.org.uk