In today’s post-pandemic landscape, streamed concerts have emerged as a mainstream phenomenon, revolutionizing how fans experience live music. During lockdowns, it became essential for artists to adapt, ensuring that if the audience couldn’t physically attend, the internet could deliver the live experience directly to them. This shift has reshaped the music industry, allowing artists to connect with their fans in innovative ways.

Historically, there was a time when the concept of streaming live concerts was unheard of, primarily due to the absence of the internet. However, once the internet became a reality, iconic bands like the Rolling Stones were quick to explore its potential. They recognized that the digital age opened new avenues for reaching audiences, forever altering the landscape of live performances.

The World Wide Web made its debut in 1993, and within months, thousands of servers sprouted up, paving the way for a digital revolution. The introduction of MP3 formatting and digital file-sharing transformed how fans accessed music, allowing bands to distribute their work online and thereby expanding their reach to a global audience. This evolution meant that artists could connect with fans more efficiently than ever before.

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By the time the Rolling Stones entered the 1990s—three decades into their illustrious career—they faced a new reality. As they transitioned into middle age, their relevance was questioned, with some labeling them as the “Dinosaurs of Rock.” Their worldwide Voodoo Lounge Tour was humorously dubbed the “Geritol Tour,” highlighting the perception that they were past their prime. However, the band was determined to prove critics wrong.

Keith Richards was vocal about their capabilities, stating, “On any given night, we’re still a damn good band,” during a 1994 interview with Rolling Stone. His defiance showed the band’s unwavering spirit, emphasizing that even as they aged, they remained a powerful force in rock music. He challenged those who criticized them to consider how they would perform at their age, asserting that the Rolling Stones were, in fact, still “a bunch of tough bastards.”

Embracing the challenge of technological advancement, the Rolling Stones collaborated with stage designer Mark Fisher to create a groundbreaking set for their tour. Fisher, known for his work with Pink Floyd and U2, designed a visually stunning stage featuring an impressive 1,200 lightbulbs, aiming to reshape audience perceptions of rock concerts.

Fisher explained, “With the Voodoo Lounge tour, we wanted to change the way people see the rock show. We aimed to convey ideas about the 21st century, presenting a clean, cool, and technologically advanced future—a world where information flows freely.” This vision was not just about aesthetics; it was about enhancing the overall concert experience for fans.

In a pioneering move, the Rolling Stones partnered with Mbone, short for multicast backbone, to facilitate audiovisual broadcasting over the internet. They made history by becoming the first major rock act to stream live music, broadcasting five songs from their concert at the Cotton Bowl on November 18, 1994, in Dallas. While smaller bands had experimented with similar projects, the Stones took it to a grand scale, setting a precedent in the music industry. (You can find the complete setlist from that show below, with the five streamed songs highlighted in italics at the top.)

Watch News Coverage of the Rolling Stones Livestream

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The innovative event was orchestrated by a company called Thinking Pictures, which highlighted the groundbreaking nature of this opportunity to the band. Stephan Fitch, president of Thinking Pictures, recounted, “The only way I could sell this idea to the Stones was to explain to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards that this was truly a unique venture. I told them, ‘Look, this is really cool, and it’s never been done before. If you don’t take this chance, I’ll partner with Aerosmith instead.’

During the concert, Jagger welcomed online viewers with enthusiasm, saying, “I want to say a special welcome to everyone that’s climbed into the internet tonight. I hope it doesn’t all collapse.” However, the technological limitations of the time meant that only a few hundred servers worldwide could handle the stream, resulting in a less-than-perfect experience. The quality of both images and sound fell short of expectations, leading some viewers to express disappointment.

Despite these challenges, the event marked a significant milestone in how major musical acts approached live streaming. Years later, Jagger reflected on the importance of adapting to technological advancements, not just in music but across various industries. In a 2023 CBC radio interview, he stated, “I’m not saying I’m slavishly trying to be at the cutting edge of everything, but you have to understand how things work in the current world. The record business, like all businesses, evolves continuously. It’s a technology-driven industry that never stagnates.”

The Rolling Stones, Nov. 18, 1994, Cotton Bowl, Dallas Set List
1. “Not Fade Away” (The Crickets cover)
2. “Tumbling Dice”
3. “You Got Me Rocking”
4. “Shattered”
5. “Rocks Off”
6. “Sparks Will Fly”
7. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
8. “Beast of Burden”
9. “Far Away Eyes”
10. “Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)”
11. “Love Is Strong”
12. “It’s All Over Now” (The Valentinos cover)
13. “I Go Wild”
14. “Miss You”
15. “Honky Tonk Women”
16. “Before They Make Me Run” (Keith Richards on lead vocals)
17. “The Worst” (Keith Richards on lead vocals)
18. “Sympathy for the Devil”
19. “Monkey Man”
20. “Street Fighting Man”
21. “Start Me Up”
22. “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)”
23. “Brown Sugar”
Encore:
24. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”