HISTORIC REVEAL: The Rolling Stones Open the Record-Breaking Desert Trip Festival in California
It was a weekend that rewrote the history books of live music — a gathering so iconic that fans and critics alike still speak of it with reverence. When The Rolling Stones walked onto the stage at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, for the opening night of the now-legendary Desert Trip Festival, they weren’t just headlining an event. They were igniting a celebration of musical legacy — a once-in-a-lifetime reunion of rock’s greatest storytellers.
Held at the same sun-soaked venue that hosts Coachella, the Desert Trip Festival — affectionately nicknamed “Oldchella” by fans — brought together six of the most influential acts in rock history: The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Roger Waters, and The Who. Across two weekends in October 2016, the festival became a living museum of sound, memory, and rebellion — a tribute to the generations that grew up with vinyl, Woodstock, and the poetry of guitars.
The Rolling Stones opened the festival with characteristic swagger and energy, proving once again that age has never dulled their edge. Mick Jagger, still the ultimate showman, moved across the stage with electrifying charisma, his voice cutting through the desert night as if no time had passed since the band’s early days in London’s clubs. Backed by Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts, the Stones roared through classics like “Start Me Up,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” reminding the crowd why they remain the heartbeat of rock and roll.
Halfway through the set, Jagger turned to the audience and grinned. “Welcome to the retirement home for geniuses!” he joked, drawing laughter from the thousands packed into the desert field. It was a rare, golden moment — one that perfectly captured the humor and humility of legends still at the top of their game.
The following nights saw equally historic performances. Bob Dylan, fresh off receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature, delivered a haunting, understated set that balanced mystery and mastery. Paul McCartney followed with a joyful parade of Beatles and solo classics — including a surprise duet with Neil Young on “A Day in the Life” and “Give Peace a Chance.” The Who brought power and precision to the stage, while Roger Waters of Pink Floyd closed the festival with a visually stunning, politically charged performance that turned the desert sky into a canvas of sound and light.
Financially and culturally, Desert Trip shattered records. With an estimated $160 million in ticket sales, it became the highest-grossing music festival of all time, surpassing even Coachella’s most successful years. But beyond the numbers, what truly defined Desert Trip was its spirit — a rare communion between generations. Parents stood beside their children, singing lyrics that had defined their youth. Teenagers in Stones shirts danced next to lifelong Dylan fans. Under the desert moon, decades of musical history merged into one shared moment.
Critics hailed the event as a “festival of legends,” a dream lineup that may never be replicated. As one reviewer wrote, “It wasn’t about nostalgia — it was about endurance. These artists didn’t just survive the decades. They shaped them.”
For the Rolling Stones, opening Desert Trip wasn’t just another gig — it was a coronation. After more than fifty years on the road, they proved that true rock and roll doesn’t age; it simply evolves, finding new ways to set the world alight.
As the final notes of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” echoed across the desert, the crowd stood together in awe — not just celebrating a concert, but bearing witness to a living monument of music history.
And for one unforgettable weekend, in a desert bathed in golden light, the legends didn’t just perform — they reminded the world that their fire still burns.