Happy 50th to the Rolling Stones

50 years ago today, a little known group played their first gig at the ‘Marquee Club’ in London. Little did they know that they would go on to become one of the biggest rock ‘n’ roll bands of all time, selling millions of records, performing at sold out venues around the world and, oh yes, having one of the most famous band logos EVER!

Yes fifty years ago today The Rolling Stones played their first ever gig at a tiny club in London. Only the most optimistic concert goer could have ever thought that they would go on to play some of the biggest, most spectacular concerts over the next five decades. Our Head of Music was lucky enough to get to see them in 2006 at the Don Valley stadium, “The stage set was amazing” he says, “Actually no it was HUGE! They had the main stage and they had another section that came out into the crowd of adoring fans. Jagger is the ultimate front man, prancing around the stage like a teenager, then there's the guitar legend Keith Richards; he doesn't prance around, but what a player! They don't make much, if any money from the records anymore, but boy the concerts and merchandise certainly make up for it.”

To celebrate their amazing feat today, here are our personal five favourite Rolling Stones anthems.

Let’s start with the obvious. A fantastic song, shame about the video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG2b3VhSCC4

Next up, something that probably won't make many Rolling Stones Top 5's, but we think this is brilliant. Shine a Light was a 2008 documentary film directed by Martin Scorsese documenting their 2006 Beacon Theatre performance on their ‘A Bigger Bang Tour’. Our Head of Music saw it at the cinema and loved this performance. Everybody wants to sing with the Stones.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5shEjY8mww&feature=fvwrel

Number three and back on the classic route again and a performance on Top of the Pops for our next Stones Anthem.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l61MFiIeuVM

OK off the beaten track again and another one of our personal favourites, taken from the bands 1989 album ‘Steel Wheels’. Just one question, who told Mick that he should wear that outfit? You will know which one when you see the video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loNey3n6uuE

And finally, let's round off the countdown with THE Rolling Stones anthem. And with rumours that the band are rehearsing for another trip around the world, lets salute the greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll band ever.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_kXx-SCdt0

And in case you wondered, the venue where it all started is now a bank!