On This Day in 1965: The Rolling Stones Headline Hanley Show With The Moody Blues, Spencer Davis Group & More
via Hi Tones Record Store / YouTube
A Star-Studded Lineup in Staffordshire
On September 30, 1965, The Rolling Stones took center stage at the Gaumont Theatre in Hanley, Staffordshire during their 2nd British Tour. They were joined by The Moody Blues, The Spencer Davis Group, The End, and The Habits—an eventful package show drawing fans from across the region.
Bill Wyman, the Stones’ bassist, had a side role that night: he produced singles and the debut album of The End for Decca Records. That connection added a deeper dimension to the show, tying the headliners and supporting act not just on stage but in the studio.
Two Shows and Historic Moments
According to concert historians, the Hanley show was scheduled as two performances that evening—likely an early and a late show—to accommodate demand. Throughout 1965, the Stones had been on the road constantly, and this Hanley stop was part of their 2nd British Tour, which ran from September 24 through October 17.
That tour featured a rotating roster of supporting acts and varied venues. On the Hanley bill, The Moody Blues stood in place of Unit 4 Plus 2, who had appeared earlier in the tour, creating a slightly different bill than other nights. The inclusion of The End on that bill was especially meaningful due to Wyman’s role in their early recording efforts.
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Audience, Music, and Legacy
Setlist archives show this concert drew a substantial crowd, keen on hearing the Stones’ hits in a lively theater environment. While the exact songs played that night aren’t fully documented, the band’s typical 1965 sets included tracks like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “The Last Time,” and R&B covers.
Having The Moody Blues and Spencer Davis Group on the same stage highlighted how much crossover there was between rock, blues, and pop in mid-60s Britain. For many fans, that evening was more than just a concert—it was a moment where multiple strands of the British music boom converged under one roof.
Such shows remain key snapshots of that era—moments when rising stars and established acts shared the spotlight, and when local audiences got to see major groups in relatively intimate venues. The September 30, 1965 show in Hanley is one such memory, preserved now in setlist records, fan lore, and the history of British rock.
