The Rolling Stones '50 & Counting'
We know it's only rock 'n' roll — but we like it! As the Stones go out on tour, view a gallery of their 50 years
by Bernard Ohanian, AARP
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Michael Ochs Archives
With Suits to Match
En español | Mick Jagger (center) and Keith Richards (far right) were still teenagers when the Rolling Stones released their first single, "Come On," in June 1963. Also in the band: Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman and Brian Jones.
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Terry O'Neill/Getty Images
Quickly to the Top
By 1964, the boys — from left, Bill, Brian, Charlie, Mick and Keith — were vying with the Beatles to be the world's most popular band.
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Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Mick, Off to Gaol
What's a 1960s rock band without a drug arrest? Mick and Keith were busted at a party in 1967; evidence years later suggested a police setup.
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Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The Death of Brian
Weeks after being booted from the band in June 1969, Brian Jones drowned in his swimming pool. He was 27. Charlie and Bill were the only Stones at the funeral.
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AP Photo
Tragedy at Altamont
In one of rock's ghastliest moments, members of the Hells Angels stabbed a fan to death as the Stones played in Altamont, Calif., in 1969.
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David Montgomery/Getty Images
First No. 1 Album
In 1971 the Beatles were no more, and the Stones — now including Mick Taylor (second from left) — released their first album to hit No. 1 in both the U.S. and U.K.: Sticky Fingers.
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Michael Putland/Getty Images
Exit Mick Taylor
The music video for 1974's "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll" was the last hurrah for guitarist Mick Taylor; the next year, Ronnie Wood would replace him.
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Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images
Rock and Royalty
Charlie chats with Princess Diana at the Royal Albert Hall in London after a 1983 benefit concert for the Prince of Wales Trust.
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Bettmann/Corbis
Wyman's Last Tour
Mick squeezes Keith at a 1989 press conference to kick off the "Steel Wheels" tour, which would be the last for Bill (left), who still does occasional cameos.
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Mary Ellen Matthews/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Two Micks on 'SNL'
In what would become a Saturday Night Live signature moment, in 2001 Jimmy Fallon plays Mick's younger reflection in the mirror.
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Paramount Classics/Courtesy Everett Collection
You Talkin' to Me?
Director Martin Scorsese (center) with Keith, Charlie, Mick and Ron while filming his 2008 documentary about the band, Shine a Light.
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Kevin Mazur
Time Is on Their Side
It must be; after all, they're still performing at ages 65 (Ron), 69 (Mick and Keith) and 71 (Charlie). The "50 & Counting" tour, which had a preview gig in Newark, N.J., last fall (pictured), kicked off anew May 3.
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