MICK JAGGER & BILLY PRESTON ARRIVE BACKSTAGE AT THE SPECTRUM ARENA (6/29/75)
Mick Jagger and Billy Preston direct band mates to the dressing rooms after arriving at the Spectrum Arena. The Rolling Stones arrived in their own vehicles. Ronnie Wood took a front seat of the jeep driven by Police Officer Michael Stermal, who escorted the Stones to the Spectrum after meeting them at the turnpike. © ROGER BARONE 1975
ROLLING STONES: THE SPECTRUM (JUNE 29, 1975)
Billy Preston, left, and Mick Jagger gesture in the direction of the dressing rooms for the arriving members of Rolling Stones’ touring party. The backstage area is not what you’d expect for Mick Jagger. Piles of trash are stacked near the freight elevator, buffing machines are visible up the back hallway–just outside the officials’ dressing rooms.
A Sixers’ backboard is visible, hanging from the upper wall. Darryl Dawkins’ notorious slam dunks shattered a few of these during his days in Philadelphia. Nonetheless, this very rare photo captures the ambiance of the Rolling Stones arriving at the Spectrum on June 29, 1975.
Annie Leibovitz, who photographed the Stones on this tour, said the two Philly shows were the best she’s ever seen them perform.
George Willis, one of four full-time Spectrum laborers and the union representative for LOCAL 57, is seen walking in the background between Jagger and Preston.
NOTEWORTHY LINK: Michael T Regan: Annie Leibovitz on shooting the Rolling Stones in Philadelphia, 1975
Rolling Stones Photos & Stories From Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Love 