Last week was historic for U.S./Cuban relations. While there will always be political rantings and ravings over President Obama’s visit, music is the universal language, and it came through very loud and proud in front of an estimated half million Havanans (and guests).
And it was somehow fitting that the Rolling Stones was the band that broke the diplomatic ice, playing a free concert with none of the usual trappings – no concessions, no merch, and lax security for a big-time stadium performance.
You can read about the event here, thanks to The Guardian, and you can watch a video clip of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” below:
The only real dust-up occurred when the Pope urged the Stones not to play on Good Friday. But, of course, the band played on. The Stones are also involved in a program to donate musical instruments to Cubans in the spirit of sharing music.
It’s not the first time the band was part of a megawatt moment. Mick and Keith (who looked like a couple of AARP tourists when they deplaned in Havana) were also part of the historic lineup for “The Concert for New York City,” put together soon after the 9/11 tragedy.
It’s notable because the Stones are what you might call “a statement band,” always seeming to be around big moments in time and history. And the fact they played this gig – not Miley Cyrus, Bruno Mars, Adele, or Taylor Swift – tells you all you need to know about who you call for a gig when it really matters.
We’re not even through March, but it’s already been a tough year for aging Classic Rockers and their diehard fans. David Bowie, Glenn Frey, and Paul Kantner have all exited so far in 2016, so a celebration of music – powered by rock’s seniors – was an especially satisfying and memorable moment.
And it should continue to signal to radio salespeople and the advertisers they call on that when you want to do it up big, mass appeal, and historic, you turn to Classic Rock icons.
When you want to make more than music. When you want to make history.
Who else but the Rolling Stones?
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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LOS Rolling Stones.
🙂
🙂 So my Spanish needs a little work.
Bonjour
pourquoi ne peut on pas publier sur instagram ? c’est dommage