The veteran rockers started their first-ever show in Cuba with Jumpin' Jack Flash, a song 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".
"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," singer Mick Jagger said to a roar from the crowd. Jagger spoke in Spanish throughout of the 18-song show of hits that lasted more than two hours. Security was low-key at Ciudad Deportiva stadium and there was a noticeable absence of would-be entrepreneurs selling T-shirts or memorabilia.
Carey Cancels - Mariah Carey cancelled her gig in Brussels over safety concerns, in the wake of Tuesday's terror attacks in the Belgian capital. The singer was scheduled to perform in the city on Sunday night - the day of her 46th birthday - but a message on her website revealed the show has been postponed. "I love my fans in Brussels and at this time I am being advised to cancel my show for the safety of my fans, my band, crew and everyone involved with the tour," the singer tweeted. "I hope to see you soon and send my prayers and eternal love, laughter and light." An alternative date is yet to be set for the gig at the Forest National arena, and her cancellation came after the venue said all of its events would be continuing - albeit with tighter security.
On The Wall - A David Bowie mural, which became a shrine for fans after his death, is to be listed by a London council to make sure it remains protected. Thousands of people left flowers or gifts in front of the artwork in Brixton following the singer's death in New York on 10 January. Bowie was born in Brixton and now Lambeth Council has announced it is making plans for a more permanent memorial to the artist. It said it is in contact with his family to discuss renaming Tunstall Place, where the mural can be found on the side of the Morleys department store, and the possibility of a statue.
Olivier Awards - ITV3 is to broadcast the Olivier Awards ceremony in full the day after the event. In addition, ITV1 will show highlights on the day of the awards on 3 April. Both broadcasts will be available on catch up for the following 30 days. It marks a major step forward for the ceremony, as there have been repeated calls from theatregoers and industry figures to have the entire ceremony shown on television. The awards, which will take place at the Royal Opera House, will be hosted by Michael Ball.
On The Fringe - Noted Edinburgh Fringe space St Stephen's is to be run by C Venues this year, with the operator vowing to make it a "flagship" destination. The company will be running the venue on behalf of the Benzies Foundation which bought the building from the Church of Scotland in 2014. Hartley Kemp, artistic director of C Venues, told The Stage, "We will be bringing the biggest and the best of C Venues' shows to St Stephen's. We are just working out what should go there and what should go to Chambers Street...What is exciting is that St Stephen's will enable us to house shows with higher production values and greater production requirements."
(Jim Evans)
