There are rumors abound that the Rolling Stones are planning a 50th Anniversary tour -- but not firmly. True, they're probably older than your parents and are in the age bracket where they're more likely to be interested in reverse mortgages and pre-need cremation services than iPhones and Twitter. But they're the Rolling Stones! They can still rock the house. Besides, they're not that old. There have been world tours where the artist or subject is much older than Mick and the boys.
Here are a few:
Paul McCartney
The Beatles were formed about the same time as the Rolling Stones (1960). The difference is that the Beatles beat out the Stones for an early concert date. While the Stones were still getting their act together, Beatles Manager Brian Epstein got them a tour of Liverpool and Hamburg clubs.
Since Paul McCartney was part of that original Beatles tour in 1960, you could say he's been touring for 51 years, one year longer than The Stones.
Doo Wop Groups
Doo Wop started in the 1950s and early '60s and was considered slightly subversive rock 'n' roll. Groups like Little Anthony and the Imperials, the Teenagers, the Belmonts, the Shirelles and the Platters dominated the radio. Though many original members of these groups retired, quit or died, the groups themselves continue to tour the world both individually and in Doo Wop revival concerts.
Many of these groups have been constantly on the road since the early 50's, beating the Stones by a good five to ten years.
Don Rickles
Insult comic Don Rickles was born in 1926 and started doing stand-up comedy in the 1950s, working Miami Beach and New York City. Nicknamed "Mr. Warmth," Don gained fame by first insulting heckers, then everyone else, including Frank Sinatra, who instead of having him "whacked," got him a headlining gig in Vegas. Don is still working and tours frequently.
Though many people would consider Don Rickles "old," he's only been around about five to ten years longer than the Stones.
King Tut
King Tut ruled Egypt more than 3,000 years ago, during the 18th Dynasty. His Tomb was discovered by Lord Carter in 1922 and the boy king or items from his tomb have been "on tour" ever since, loaned to museums and galleries the world over. As Steve Martin would say "people stand in line to see the boy king."
King Tut is over 3,000 years old and has been on tour for 89 years.
The Pope
The Pope is the rock star of the Catholic Church. In fact, he acts a lot like a rock star -- he has an entourage, wears a lot of gold, is followed by papparazzi, has his picture on T-shirts and goes on tour.
The Vatican recognizes St. Peter as the first Pope, sometime around 30 a.d. The Pope is supposed to visit his flock, which would make the Pope touring for about 1,981 years (give or take a few decades).
Lucy
Lucy is the 3.2 million year old skeleton found in Ethiopia in 1974. She is said to be the oldest found ancestor to modern day humans. For decades since her find, she was locked away in Ethiopia, but recently started her very own tour, which is currently on exhibit in Times Square.
Lucy is 3.2 million years old, making her old enough to be Keith Richard's mother.
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