UK seaside town lifts 44-year Rolling Stones ban
LONDON (Reuters) - They've played to sell-out audiences all over the world -- except in Blackpool.
Until now.
After being banned for almost half-century from the English seaside resort, the Rolling Stones are free to perform there again, the local council said on Thursday.
The ban was imposed in 1964 after a riot broke out during one of their early gigs at the Empress Ballroom.
Chandeliers were smashed, a Steinway grand piano was trashed and seats torn out after a member of the 7,000-strong crowd was said to have spat at guitarist Brian Jones.
But now the council has written to the group saying all is forgiven.
"If they forgive us, we will forgive them," council leader Peter Callow told Reuters on Thursday.
"The ban has been officially lifted and I would love to see them play again at Blackpool.
"Nothing would give me more satisfaction."
No comment from the band was immediately available.
Reuters/Nielsen
