They've sold out stadiums around the world for decades, but the Rolling Stones got ready to kick off their 50th anniversary tour last night in a decidedly more intimate venue: A small club in Los Angeles' Echo Park neighborhood. "Welcome to Echo Park, a neighborhood that's always coming up—and I'm glad you're here to welcome an up-and-coming band," Mick Jagger cracked by way of introducing the 90-minute show, which encompassed old standbys and new material alike.
About 700 fans paid $20 apiece earlier yesterday to get into the unadvertised show, reports the AP; they were limited to a single ticket, had to pay cash, and were issued a wristband bearing their name. Cameras and phones were banned at the venue, adding to the event's retro vibe. The Stones brought out former guitarist Mick Taylor for "Love in Vain," and celebs including Bruce Willis and Gwen Stefani were spotted in the crowd. "(This is) the first show of the tour, probably the best one," Jagger told the crowd. Their "50 and Counting" tour launches Friday at the Staples Center; tickets start at $250. (More Rolling Stones stories.)
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