July

SARS Benefit Concert, Toronto

Taking a month to plan (the show was announced while Toronto was still under health warning from the World Trade Organization), the Stones staged and headlined a benefit concert for Toronto, Canada, quite often called ‘Toronto Rocks’ or ‘SARSapalooza’. Playing Downsview Park to 450,000–500,000 people, the show helped raise financial aid and spirits for a city devastated by the SARS (Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic that had hit Toronto in 2003.

November

First Concert In Hong Kong

Initially pulled from the Harbour Fest bill after delays in signing a contract, the Stones played their first ever shows in Hong Kong at the Tamar festival site, as part of another SARS benefit concert. Performing on 7 and 9 November, the shows also replaced those cancelled earlier in the year when the epidemic broke.

December

Sir Mick Jagger

As of 12 December 2003, Mick Jagger would legally be Sir Mick Jagger, having received a knighthood for his ‘services to popular music’. Many questioned whether someone with a past that included drug run-ins with the law could rightfully be knighted. More still wondered why Keith wasn’t also bestowed with the honour. Perhaps the monarchy had anticipated his response to Mick’s award. He told the Independent, ‘It’s not what the Stones is about, is it? I don’t want to step out on stage with someone wearing a f***ing coronet and sporting the old ermine. I told Mick, it’s a f***ing paltry honour.’

Personalities | Introducing The Rolling Stones
Personalities | The Rolling Stones (2004) | Key Events