Tastes being what they are, the designation “world’s greatest rock’n’roll band” is up for debate.
But one designation that cannot be argued with is the Rolling Stones’ status as the “world’s greatest rock’n’roll business,” particularly as it relates to touring.
Put simply, if it has to do with touring, the Rolling Stones either invented it, improved it greatly or changed it forever. The innovation, creativity and business acumen of this band, along with the considerable contributions of the chosen few who have worked with it through the years, extend into virtually every area of the business: production, sponsorships, branding, ticketing, merchandising, global routing, concert promotion and overall touring economics.
“They’ve either had an impact on or pioneered every single aspect of touring,” says Bill Zysblat, who with Joe Rascoff are…