1968 Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus Performance
A legendary lost spectacle where rock royalty gathered, only to be hidden away for nearly thirty years.
The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus was a groundbreaking television special conceived by Brian Jones in late 1968 as a grand showcase for rock music's rising stars. Intended to be broadcast on British television, the event featured The Rolling Stones headlining alongside an all-star lineup of contemporaries like The Who, John Lennon, and Taj Mahal. Although recorded with immense energy and creativity, the project was shelved by Mick Jagger shortly after viewing a rough cut, fearing the band's performance lacked their usual edge compared to the other acts.
- Concept Originator
- Brian Jones
- Recording Date
- December 1968
- Release Status
- Shelved for decades (Officially released in 1996)
- Key Headliners
- The Rolling Stones, The Who, John Lennon & the Dirty Mac
- Format
- Live Television Special / Concert Film
- Notable Guest
- Jethro Tull, Cream, Taj Mahal
Lore & Background
The genesis of the Circus was Brian Jones's desire to create a modern-day variety show that celebrated the spirit of rock and roll. He envisioned a carnival atmosphere complete with clowns, acrobats, and musical acts performing in a makeshift tent set up at Shepperton Studios. The production was lavish for its time, featuring elaborate costumes and stage designs intended to mimic a traveling circus, blending high-energy music with theatrical flair.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Shepperton tent smelled of sawdust, hairspray, and anticipation. Brian Jones adjusted his sequined clown suit, looking around at the gathered giants of rock who had agreed to play for nothing but the glory of the show. As the lights dimmed on a makeshift ring, John Lennon stepped up with a chaotic band he'd just assembled in minutes, while Mick Jagger watched from the shadows, a flicker of doubt crossing his face as the circus began its strange, silent countdown.
Reader's Guide
On December 12, 1968, at Shepperton Studios outside London, Brian Jones's vision came to life with a full day of recording. The event featured a diverse array of acts including Taj Mahal, Jethro Tull, and Cream, culminating in a wild performance by John Lennon and the Dirty Mac. The Rolling Stones closed the show with a set that included "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Honky Tonk Women," performed in full circus regalia. However, upon reviewing the footage days later, Jagger decided the performance was not up to par and ordered the film suppressed. For nearly three decades, the event remained a myth among fans, with only snippets leaking out through bootlegs. The immediate consequence was a missed opportunity for a historic broadcast in 1969. Long-term, its eventual release in 1996 provided a unique historical document of late-60s rock culture and showcased Brian Jones's final major creative contribution to the band.
Did You Know?
- John Lennon performed with The Dirty Mac, an impromptu supergroup formed specifically for this event.
- The show was originally intended to be broadcast on British television in early 1969 but was pulled by Jagger.
- It took nearly 28 years from the recording date until the full concert was officially released to the public.
- Brian Jones played a variety of instruments during his set, including the marimba and piano, showcasing his eclectic style.
More in Major Events & Milestones
Elsewhere in the The Rolling Stones universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record