The Rolling Stones have thanked fans for their support during yet another busy year for rock and roll’s greatest survivors.
The band’s ’14 On Fire’ tour, which continued a return to the live scene which started towards the end of 2012 in celebration of their 50th anniversary, has taken them to 19 countries for performances to a total of 1,159,882 people according to a video message which can be seen below.
2014 has had its downs too though for the Stones; touring was postponed back in March after the sudden death of Mick Jagger‘s girlfriend L’Wren Scott, while their long-term collaborator Bobby Keys also passed away this year.
In paying tribute to a man whose inimitable saxophone playing was a core part of the sound of the Stones during their late sixties/early seventies creative heyday, the band said in a statement:
“The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend and legendary saxophone player, Bobby Keys. Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. He will be greatly missed.”