swore I would never go back to Dodger Stadium after risking life and limb to see the Cubs [read my essay] there in June, 2005. Of course, I should know better than to say “never.” You see, Dodger Stadium is exactly where I found myself on the 43rd anniversary of the death of JFK, although my reason for being there had nothing to do with JFK except—in a very oblique way—as a symbol of that crazy time known as the sixties. My presence at Dodger Stadium the evening of November 22, 2006 had nothing to do with baseball, either, but it had everything to do with another icon of the era: the Rolling Stones.

          The first time I saw the Stones was November 1, 1964. Not that I really remember the date, but it’s immortalized forever in my diary of the years 1961-5, as is JFK, along with so many other significant events of the era. What sets the Stones apart from the rest of sixties history is they survived.

Like so many of our peers, my sister Jill and I first fell for the Beatles, but quickly switched primary allegiance to the Stones, for what now seems obvious reasons. For if the Beatles represented good, clean fun, the Rolling Stones were sexy, dirty, sexy, sleazy, sexy fun. Did I say “sexy”? This adjective cannot be over-emphasized here. The Stones were Every Teen Girl’s fantasy. At least, they were mine; I have numerous diary entries from 1964-5 as testament to the impact the Rolling Stones made on my life. I almost get a contact high when I reread them now, especially the entries beginning in early October, 1964, through May, 1965, during which the Stones played their first two L.A. area gigs.

This accessibility had a lot to do with making the Stones the objects of our collective obsession, rather than the Beatles. The Stones performed as the star attraction at two Long Beach venues within 6 months of each other, affording the local female teen population safe sublimation for our budding erotic fantasies. As I reread these Stones entries for the first time in four decades, I’m astonished by the raw sexuality. No wonder our parents hated the Stones—although in all fairness, my mother good-naturedly drove us to Long Beach and back to Whittier for both concerts because we were too young to drive ourselves. The frenzy that was created by their local arrival and presence remains palpable even now.

10-7-64—Mick Jagger is so neat (of Rolling Stones). [First mention of the Stones in my diary.]

10-10-64—we got the Rolling Stones album—it’s so boss! “Tell Me” is on it and Mick Jagger sings the lead so bitchen!

10-12-64—Kris [Riedel, LSHS ’67, next-door-neighbor] plays “Tell Me” for me! Oh Mick—oh lost, oh lost!

10-13-64—Mother says we can go see Rolling Stones if we can get tickets!

10-18-64—Kris came up and we played “Tell Me.”

10-26-64—we got our Rolling Stones tickets today! Orchestra seats. Going with Eileen B.

10-29-64—we heard a Rolling Stones interview on KRLA. They arrived in L.A. Wednesday night.

10-30-64—The Rolling Stones were in concert at Santa Monica…

11-1-64—what a way to begin a perfect month! See the Stones, of course! Went to Long B. Auditorium—they were so boss! They sang “Not Fade Away,” “It’s All Over [Now],” “Round and Round,” “Time Is on My Side,” “If You Need Me,” and “I’m a King Bee.” I ran up close and I swear Mick looked straight at me with his greeny-blue eyes!  I screamed so hard when I saw him first! Oh—the way Mick looked at me and smiled!!! Swoon! [Taped near these words are ROLLING STONES and MICK JAGGER in newsprint.] Mick—oh lost! Brian and Keith—rah, rah! We had good seats, but everyone stood and screamed while they sang! With them were Dick and Deedee, Jimmie Claxton, Deacons, and Spats + Sole Bros.

11-2-64—I haven’t quite gotten over the thrill of seeing the Fab Five yet! You should’ve seen the envious faces for my boss [concert] program! [in which the photos of Mick and Brian were misidentified]

11-3-64—Mick said a real sweet “goodbye” to L.A. Sniff, sniff! Did I tell you about the boss signs [at the concert]: “Mick, You’re Cute” and “Hi, Keith”! Johnson winning by a landslide in elections…pay TV defeated.

11-10-64—My Stones were on Red Skelton tonight! They all looked so bitchen, even Bill! Mick, I love you! He was a-wailin’ away on “Tell Me,” “Carol,” and “It’s All Over [Now]”—God, “Tell Me” is so boss, man! Charlie looked cute smilin’ away and beatin’ on his drums! Keith added his two cents too. Brian was really boss, smiling and singing “IAO” w/his greeny-blue eyes—I Wuv you, Rolling Stones!!

11-14-64—TAMI premiered today with the Rolling Stones in it! Mick smiled 4½ times—he’s so bitchen, and he has mucho S.A. Brian looked so boss with his greeny-blue eyes and gear guitar. Mick played maracas! He actually wore a suit! They sang “Round and Round,” “Off the Hook,” “Time is on my Side,” It’s All Over [Now], and “It’s All Right.” I screamed so hard when I saw Mick! I Wuv You! We made a sign that said, “Rolling Stones Rule” and “Mick You’re Cute.”

The impact of the Stones on me can be seen in the entry of 11-3-64, wherein I give the Stones preference over the presidential election results. I even wrote a poem, although it is quite evident that I projected my own “hurt” from the elder establishment’s jibes at the Stones onto them, when it is entirely possible, if not probable, that all the would-you-let-your-sister-go-out-with-a-rolling-stone articles were entirely trumped up by Under Assistant West Coast Promo Men.

3-26-65—“Ode to the Stones”

You laugh at them, you curse them,

You say they’re ugly, too.

You degrade them, you berate them,

Your praises they are few.

But since when do we judge people

by the clothes that they wear?

Yes, since when do we judge people

by the length of their hair?

The Rolling Stones are people,

Yes, a very special kind:

Lads more sincere and dedicated

You could never hope to find.

But don’t you know it hurts them

when you say those caustic things?

They have feelings, too, and when

you sneer at them, it stings.

Their music is their heart and soul—

In fact, their very life,

And when you say those awful things,

It hurts them like a knife.

For the Rolling Stones are people,

Yes, a very special kind.

Because our lives they brighten—

Keep always that in mind.

In my adoration of the Stones I now see the initiation of a rebellious, anti-authoritarian streak that has endured through this day.

4-2-65—guess what? The Stones were doing a concert when Mick touched 2 mikes together, caused a short, got shocked & fell back on Brian (oh lost, oh lost!), shocking him! Bill was even knocked unconscious! The only thing that saved him was he tripped over the cord and pulled it out! Thank God! I bought the Stone book, Our Own Story! It’s got dishy pix!

4-10-65—We got our tickets for the Stones show today!

5-9-65—One more week! JAZZ! “Play with Fire” was on all 3 [rock] stations at the same time!!!

5-10-65—Stones did show in Chicago.

5-11-65—Stones arrived today! They’re doing recordings & “Shindig” segment. BMR and Reb [local djs] got interviews. Mick sounds so dif from his discs! Found out Jack Nitsche is also on “Play with Fire” & they were “just playing around.” Brian talked about the riots in Blackpool. He called the drunk rioters in Scotland “disgusting people”! They all sounded fabulous! They like our studios better than London’s!

5-12-65—7 more days! Charlie gave Debbie “Play with Fire” & so she lent it to us! “So don’t play with me cuz you’re playin’ with fire!”

5-14-65—watched Sam Riddle’s “Cheri À Go Go” with Stones! But it was only a repeat of 9^th St. West deal.

5-15-65—Stones are back here!! Came on KHJ. Bill gave commercials & answered questions. When asked his age he replied, “83” with a straight face!! His fave disc is “Good Lovin’.” Then Mickey came on in a sexy voice. Brian called KHJ “Ross Badio”—I guess he had a few last nite!! Got my new Rolling Stones Monthly!! Brian’s fave new disc is “What the World Needs Now Is Love”!!!! They played San Bernardino last nite!!

5-16-65—O God! The day!! They were so bitchen…well, what can you say?!! Sang “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love,” “Pain in My Heart,” “Round & Round,” “Time Is on My Side,” “Off the Hook,” “Red Rooster” (with Charlie’s introduction), “Route 66,” “Last Time”!! (the only time I screamed!!) and “I’m Alright.” During “Route 66” a girl climbed down the curtains & jumped on Mick! God, Brian looked sooo bitchen!! White shirt, white pants, maroon coat. Mick wore beige shirt, gray cords, brown jacket. Charlie wore dark gray. Keith wore black. All looked fabulous! At the end I went haulin’ out to the top—it was so thrilling to see their car come out with 10,000 kids around them!!! As they came out, I ran into the street & they looked right at me. I kinda grabbed at their black Comet & took their pic at the same time!! It was boss!! Byrds were fab too, with their “Mr. Tambourine Man,” also Paul Revere & the Raiders!!! Took billions of pix—hope they’re good. They’re doing “Shivaree” show tonight!!

5-17-65—The Daily News had article on the front page—they’re calling it a RIOT! Said kids were throwing undies (true) but I thought the Stones were used to it! Evidently not, cuz Brian said on the telly that he was actually alarmed!

5-18-65—one measly, crappy, shitty, f’in’ pic is the only I got back—but of course I’ll treasure it!

5-19-65—Mother took some negs to school [she was a high school teacher] & a kid developed them for me! The one of the car is the bitchenest! Keef’s in the back hugging his guitar, Brian, Bill & Mick are sitting in the middle, & Charlie’s in the front! Also got an enlargement of the show but it’s kinda fuzzy. BMR’s been playing “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”—gassy!! Man it’s really boss! Their next #1! Tamla-Motown-ish—& I’m positive Jack Nitsche’s on Nitsche-phone cuz of the twangy sound—way out!!!

5-20-65—“Ain’t Got No Satisfaction” is the larkiest! It’s backed by “Under Assistant West Coast Promo Man”—a chop to all those promoters! It’s backed with a wild harmo[nica]!

5-22-65—The Stones were on “Hollywood À Go Go.” They looked so bitchen & Mick smiled soo much! They sang “Last Time,” “We Gotta Good Thing Goin’” & wild “Play with Fire”! Brian was a riot! When they showed the camera on him, he gave that innocent, shy smile and said something I couldn’t hear but looked like “why are you showing me?” Get this: he played the organ on “PWF”! I never knew he did! Charlie Boy played tambo—FAB. Keef wore the larkiest plaid vest!

5-25-65—on the news I saw the Stones at the end of a performance. They showed a close-up of Brian just as they were finishing up—then the fans charged the stage (it was an outside arena at Fresno) & they were rushed into an armor, yes armor, truck!! I drew a pic of B-baby! “Ain’t Got No Satisfaction” is the bitchenest song! Came in #2 on a daily KFWB survey today!

5-26-65—Bitchen, bitchen, bitchen! The Stones were on “Shindig” tonite & led with “Down the Road Apiece”!! Mick wore striped T-shirt & cord jacket w/belt!! He looked so gear!! Brian wore his whites, dark turtle-neck sweater, dark coat w/wide stripes. Keith had lite shirt, dark coat & pants. Ditto Bill. Charlie wore the perpetual suit-coat & tie. You should have seen their act on “Red Rooster”! It had a “haunted house” effect & Mick went thru howling wind twirling his harmonica. Keef played reg. guitar on it!! Next was always fab “Last Time”!! Brian cracked me up! Whenever they’d show him, he’d always give that famous-now shy, innocent grin!! Mick looked better’n I’ve ever seen him!! They did “Play with Fire” sitting ‘round an English auto. Since Mick is the solo in it, the rest just sat & looked a bit self-conscious (no instruments, either). THEN…they finished with that epitome of yearning, their brand-new “Ain’t Got No Satisfaction” (which I will call just “Satisfaction” from now on) & Brian played reg. guitar AND harmonica in it!!! God! Brian’s hair is sooo longgg!! He & Bill are still here in S. Cal. after doing a Sacramento show last nite.

5-27-65—“Satisfaction” made #1 on KFWB Survey!! Gary was tellin’ about the fuzz-tone they use to get that twangy bitchen sound! It attaches to the amplifier. I got a letter from Kathy [Rolling Stones Fan Club president from Hollywood] & she sent me some “Stones artifacts”—Mick’s bacon & parsley, crumbs from Keef’s napkin!! [I still have these now-fossilized items in my Stones memorabilia folder]. I now belong to the BMR-Reb KFWB Stones Fan Club!! BMR played “It’s Alright” & “I’m Movin’ On” from an upcoming E.P.!! A poll proved the former to be the favorite (over the Beatles, I might add).

5-29-65—I slept most of the day! BMR took a poll & the Stones beat out the Beatles by 4,00 votes. 1917-1526!! Now he’s playing every 2 out of 3 Stones songs! So far—“I’m Movin’ On,” “Red Rooster,” “It’s Alright,” & “Congradulations” !! “Bye, Bye, Johnnie”’ll also be on the English E.P.

5-31-65—I heard “Satisfaction” 18 times!

6-4-65—It’s #1!! Their first #1-er ever & I’m sooo happy. The Stones have finally done it with “Satisfaction”!! It’s only been released since Monday! I can hardly believe it! From nowhere to #1! Also #1 on KRLA’s “Teen Topper”!!

6-8-65—McDivitt & White have landed from their record-breaking Gemini flight! I learned “Satisfaction” & some others!

6-11-65—“Satisfaction’s” done it! #1 on all stations—I’m so happy!

6-25-65—“Satisfaction” has finally been released in England—it’s #7—been #1 here for 4 weeks!! GROOVY!!!

7-6-65—“Satisfaction” still #1 here & in nation. 5 weeks KHJ, 4 weeks KRLA & KFWB.

7-20-65—Mick’s birthday!! & appropriately enuff, we bought “Out of Our Heads”—Rinky! (combo of Rolling Stones & “kinky”) I’m gassed on “That’s How Strong My Love Is”—the whole L.P. is too fantastic!

7-25-65—Andy Oldham was on Teen Topics & he discussed the Stones. BMR played “Mercy, Mercy,” “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” “Good Times,” & “Spider & the Fly.” He wrote the lyrics to the latter (it was originally a poem) He’s got red hair!

7-31-65—Stones were on “Hollywood Palace”! Sang “Not Fade Away”—about the first show they ever did! Mick sure shook his tickers!

That he Gemini flight commands equal attention in the entry of 6-8-65 as learning the lyrics to the Rolling Stones’ song “Satisfaction” shows just where my priorities lay in 1965. The propensity for list-making seems curious as well. Was I thinking postmodern? Was I honing future imagined rock critic skills? Whatever, I did manage to keep tabs on the set list for Dodger Stadium:

11-22-06—O God! The day!! They were so bitchen…well, what can you say?!! Sang (in order) “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (for which Keef could be heard strumming the opening chords just before they came out), “It’s Only Rock & Roll,” “Let’s Spend the Night Together,” “She Was Hot,” “Dead Flowers” (duet with Bonnie Raitt sounding a bit unrehearsed, but who opened strong), “Streets of Love,” “On Down the Line,” “Midnight Rambler” (Maceo & Gian arrived—it took them 4 hours to drive from UCLA to Dodger Stadium!!), “Tumbling Dice” (Mick introduced the band—Keith, Charlie & Ron plus Darryl Jones on bass, Bobby Keyes on sax & Chuck Leavell on keyboards—then let Keith warble the next song), “You Got the Silver” (a bare, plaintive rendering, the first half of it featuring Ron Wood’s roadhouse skid on acoustic bottleneck guitar and the strong, clear gratitude in Keef’s voice: “You fill my cup, babe, that’s for sure/I must come back for a little more”), “Connection,” “Under My Thumb,” “Oh, No, Not You Again” (Keef at his rollicking best), “Start Me Up,” “Honky Tonk Woman,” “Sympathy for the Devil,” “Paint It Black,” “Satisfaction,” and for the encore, “Brown Sugar.” During “Satisfaction” a girl threw her panties on stage and Mick tucked them into his back pocket! But I told Maceo not to worry, I wouldn’t do that, mainly cuz I wasn’t wearing underwear! He said, “Mom, don’t ever tell me that again.” Mick! God, he looked sooo bitchen!! He kept changing his clothes, ending up in a rose pink T-shirt with a hot pink jacket! Charlie wore a blue shirt. Keith sported the camouflage shirt seen in other publicity photos. Ronnie wore a yellow shirt. All wore black jeans and looked fabulous! Even Keef, who introduced and thanked his “head” doc, Dr. Andrew, for taking care of him in New Zealand after he fell out of that Fijian coconut tree last summer! At the end there were elaborate pyrotechnics and a big inflated balloon of their logo tongue popped out over the stage—I got a pic of it—really boss!—it was so thrilling to see them roll  out on their moving stage into the audience with 50,000 people dancing around them during “Under My Thumb”!!! And the sound was sooo good! They sounded better than I’ve ever heard them before, thanks in part to 40 years of audio technology, but also in part to a dynamic animism not seen in earlier days. Watching this 63-year-old dynamo bounding across a stage that covered the width of the outfield was something to behold. Was it really Mick or a hologram? I Wuv you, Rolling Stones!

As we waited for Maceo and Gian to arrive at the stadium, I was struck by the diversity of the crowd, from celebrities like Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Jeff Garland and a Green Day bandsman, teenage rowdies throwing beer bottles from their truck beds, middle-aged moms slipping from their SUVs to pick up the bottles, little kids clutching Stones posters like early Christmas presents, and big kids hustling Ronnie Wood prints into their BMWs before the show began, to the elders gripping the sides of their wheelchairs and resetting their hearing aids. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d be watching the Rolling Stones with my children, but it just goes to show the Stones rock us all.

What a change from those turbulent sixties when their concerts caused “riots” and their music evoked derision and disgust from the Establishment. In contrast, these concert-goers behaved impeccably, a far cry from the Cubs v. Dodgers game wherein Gian endured being pelted with peanuts for wearing a Cubs cap. The Stones are truly The Great Equalizers.

Will I return to Dodger Stadium? Perhaps. Then again, perhaps not, but of one thing I am certain: I don’t want this to be their last tour. I prefer not to imagine a world without the Rolling Stones.