To mark the 52nd anniversary of the band’s first gig, at the Marquee in London, the Rolling Stones website printed its setlist from that night, a delicious 12-song survey of American blues from a band who came up with their name specifically in time for this gig so the band could advertise their opening slot for Alex Korner’s Blues Incorporated.
Charlie Watt wasn’t in the band yet; he was playing for the headliner that night. Nor was Bill Wyman. Instead the lineup of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones (appearing under the ridiculous name Elmo Lewis) and Ian Stewart played with Dick Taylor on bass and future Kinks member Mick Avory on drums.
Three from Elmore James, another three from Jimmy Reed and a couple from Chuck Berry. Here’s what was on their setlist:
- “Kansas City” – Wilbert Harrison
- “Honey What’s Wrong” – Billy Fury
- “Confessin’ The Blues” – Chuck Berry
- “Bright Lights, Big City” – Jimmy Reed
- “Dust My Blues” – Elmore James
- “Down The Road Apiece” – Chuck Berry
- “I Want To Love You” – Charles Smith
- “I’m A Hoochie Coochie Man” – Muddy Waters
- “Ride ‘Em On Down” – Robert Johnson
- “Back In The USA” – Chuck Berry
- “I Feel A Kind Of Lonesome” – Jimmy Reed
- “Blues Before Sunrise” – Elmore James
- “Big Boss Man” – Jimmy Reed
- “Don’t Stay Out All Night” – Billy Boy Arnold
- “Tell Me That You Love Me” – Fats Domino
- “Happy Home” – Elmore James