ROLLING STONES’ PHALLIC BALLOON UNZIPPED AT SPECTRUM ARENA IN PHILLY (6/30/75)
The Rolling Stones’ controversial phallic stage prop was banned in a few cities during their 1975 Tour of the Americas (TOTA). The phallic-shaped balloon was inflated during the playing of “Star Star” a song from the band’s “Goats Head Soup” album. © Roger Barone 1975
ROLLING STONES: SPECTRUM ARENA (June 30, 1975)
During the move-in for the Stones’ Philly shows, several of my Spectrum co-workers and I were assigned to the coveted (if you were a Stones’ fan) truck unloading detail. When the phallic balloon was being unveiled, large boxes of Styrofoam packing peanuts were stocked with it. The Styrofoam sperm would be ejaculated from the penis balloon into the audience during Star Star, a rocking Stones’ song about groupies.
Inside the truck, we had a virtual sperm fight with floating debris sailing in all directions, uncontrollably, like a slow-motion blizzard stirring within a holiday snow globe, littering equipment, floors and nesting in our hair. John “Bluto” Belushi had nothing on us.
On Tuesday, September 4th, 2001, Bill Wyman made an appearance at Border’s Books on Walnut Street, near 17th. Wyman was doing a signing and lecture in support of his just published “Blues Odyssey” book. Wyman shared a hearty laugh when I told him the story. PHOTO: © ROGER BARONE
“STAR STAR” YOUTUBE VIDEO FROM L0s Angeles (L.A. Forum) 1975:
Rolling Stones Photos & Stories From Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Love 