Rolling Stones rock Havana with with historic concert

The Rolling Stones played to tens of thousands of fans in the Cuban capital Credit: Reuters

The Rolling Stones have rocked tens of thousands of fans at a free open-air concert in Havana, the Cuban capital.

The band opened with "Jumping Jack Flash" and followed with "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)".

According to state media, lead singer Mick Jagger addressed the crowd in Spanish, saying: "Hola Habana, buenas noches mi gente de Cuba", which translates as "Hello Havana, goodnight my people of Cuba".

The concert has particular significance as the band's music was outlawed in Cuba for many years because the government considered it subversive.

The Stone's high-profile concert is the second landmark event for the Caribbean country in a single week, following on from the visit by US President Barack Obama.

The Stone's concert is the second landmark event in Cuba in a single week Credit: Reuters

People started gathering at the Ciudad Deportiva de la Habana football and baseball fields 18 hours ahead of time.

Among them were Cubans who traveled from across the country to see the Stones, as well as foreign fans who had flown in for the occasion.

One of those was Sir Richard Branson, who tweeted in advance: "Excited to be heading to Cuba to see my friends the RollingStones rock Havana! StonesCuba."

Sir Mick, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood arrived in Cuba on Thursday, flying into Jose Marti international airport with family members and crew aboard their private plane.

  • ITV News correspondent Nina Nannar reports on the band's arrival in Cuba:

Later the band tweeted their thanks to the audience for "an incredible, unforgettable show".

The Rolling Stones have been touring Latin America with concerts in Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Brazil.