Stones Can Make Blackpool Rock

A 44-year ban on The Rolling Stones playing in Blackpool has been lifted.

The ban was imposed after a 1964 concert at the Empress Ballroom ended in a riot.

Reports describe the disastrous gig. One upstart critic among the 7,000-strong crowd spat at Brian Jones. The guitarist’s reaction sparked a riot, ending with smashed chandeliers, torn-out seats and a pulverized Steinway grand piano.

"We are writing to the group to say the ban has now been lifted and they are welcome to play here again," council leader Peter Callow told The Guardian.

Rolling Stones agent John Giddings told Pollstar he’s already held a venue, but he may have been joking.