Rolling Stones tell Cuba crowd ‘times are changing’

The Rolling Stones kicked off their first-ever show in Cuba with their hit “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” It was first recorded in 1968, when Cuban rock fans were secretly sharing pirated vinyl records and risked being sent to rural work brigades to cure “ideological deviation.” 

The group followed with “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It),” which may carry extra meaning for Cuban fans who once faced discrimination for their musical tastes. 

“We know that years back it was hard to hear our music in Cuba, but here we are playing. I also think the times are changing,” lead singer Mick Jagger said in Spanish to a roar from the crowd. 

The singer spoke in Spanish throughout of the 18-song show of hits that lasted more than two hours. The band played “Sympathy for the Devil” as a yellow moon rose through clouds, and they finished a two-song encore with “Satisfaction.” 

Fans started gathering 18 hours ahead of time at Havana’s Sports City football and baseball fields, including Cubans who travelled from across the Caribbean’s largest island and foreigners who flew in for the occasion.