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A grand kick-off to the fall's hottest tour
The Rolling Stones Press Conference

Rolling Stones Press Conference 2005
Hard Rock Hotel (Live Satellite Feed)
Chicago, IL
May 10, 2005
Mick Jagger Rolling Stones

Story and Photos By Andy Argyrakise

Even after eons together and countless tours behind them, it remains only rock and roll, but The Rolling Stones still like it. And even in a concert climate currently dominated by heavyweights like U2, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Coldplay and Nine Inch Nails (all of whom visited Chicagoland in the last few weeks) anything to do with England's other fab four has been the talk of the town. Despite the band not being in Chicago for the actual announcement of 2005's "The Rolling Stones Onstage World Tour," those in town were still treated to an exclusive up close and personal view of the Stones live via satellite from New York's Lincoln Center.
Clear Channel The industry guests and handful of lucky contest winners in the windy city gathered in the Hard Rock Hotel to join the festivities, which consisted of a snippet performance by the band and brief question and answer outing about the upcoming endeavor. A three-song set was short but sweet, introducing the event with "Start Me Up," followed by the brand new track "Oh No Not You Again" and "Brown Sugar." Though the two bookend cuts have been played frequently over the last several tours, it was still nice to see the legends back in action lighting up the noon hour with a diversion from the usual. And though recent studio albums haven't measured up to output from the 60s or 70s, at least this foreshadowing from a yet to be titled project was performed with liveliness and enthusiasm.
After the snapshot show, the Stones went backstage to towel off at which point those in New York took a break while Chicagoans heard exact details regarding the band's area appearance. Clear Channel's Vice President of Booking Scott Gelman announced a September 10th date at Solider Field (details follow) much to the applause of those in attendance. After the cheering died down, all were virtually beamed back to New York to some chat time with none other than Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Charlie Watts. Though the guys were guarded and failed to give concrete responses regarding the upcoming record or set list, they did promise a more interactive experience for fans this time through. Building off recent moves by U2, the Stones are going to bring concertgoers straight into the action, allowing select ticket buyers to have a spot on stage during the actual performance! After that permanent detail was disclosed, a split second photo opportunity was offered before the group vanished back behind the stage curtain. Those at the Hard Rock were then treated to lunch and given exact specifics relating to local ticket information, which is as follows:

Saturday, September 10 SOLDIER FIELD
American Express Cardmember Presale: Wednesday, May 11 at 9 AM - Friday, May 20 at 5 PM. Tickets are available to the General Public on Saturday, May 21 at Noon. Reserved tickets are $160.00, $99.00 and $60.00* A limited number of gold circle seats will also be available.
Tickets available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 312-559-1212. American Express Presale tickets are available via phone and internet only. Presented by Concert Productions International, Jam Productions and Clear Channel Entertainment. *Does not include applicable service fees


ROLLING STONES ON STAGE
Aug. 21 Boston Fenway Park
Aug. 26 Hartford Rentschler Stadium (U Conn.)
Aug. 28 Ottawa Frank Clair Stadium
Aug. 31 Detroit Comerica Park
Sept. 03 Moncton Magnetic Hill
Sept. 06 Minneapolis Xcel Energy Center
Sept. 08 Milwaukee Bradley Center
Sept. 10 Chicago Soldier Field
Sept. 15 E. Rutherford Giants Stadium
Sept. 24 Columbus Nationwide Arena
Sept. 26 Toronto Rogers Centre
Sept. 28 Pittsburgh PNC Park
Oct. 01 Hershey Hershey Stadium
Oct. 03 Washington, DC MCI Center
Oct. 06 Charlottesville Scott Stadium (UVA)
Oct. 10 Philadelphia Wachovia Center
Oct. 15 Atlanta Philips Arena
Oct. 17 Miami American Airlines Arena
Oct. 19 Tampa St. Pete Times Forum
Oct. 21 Charlotte Charlotte New Arena
Oct. 28 Calgary Pengrowth Saddledome
Oct. 30 Seattle Key Arena
Nov. 01 Portland Rose Garden
Nov. 04 Anaheim Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Nov. 11 San Diego Petco Park
Nov. 13 San Francisco SBC Park
Nov. 20 Fresno Save Mart Center
Nov. 22 Salt Lake City Delta Center
Nov. 24 Denver Pepsi Center
Nov. 27 Phoenix Glendale Arena
Nov. 29 Dallas American Airlines Center
Dec. 01 Houston Toyota Center

For Official Tour Information, Fan Club Memberships and more, visit: www.rollingstones.com

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