# Bridges to Babylon Tour

The Bridges to Babylon Tour was a worldwide concert tour by the Rolling Stones. Staged in support of their album Bridges to Babylon, the tour visited stadiums from 1997 to 1998. It grossed over $274 million, becoming the second-highest-grossing tour at that time, behind their own Voodoo Lounge Tour of 1994–1995. The Bridges to Babylon Tour was followed by 1999's No Security Tour.

## History

The tour was announced in a press conference held beneath the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
The tour began on 9 September 1997 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and comprised fifty-six shows in North America, nine shows in South America, six shows in Japan and thirty-seven shows in Europe. It concluded on 19 September 1998 in Istanbul, Turkey. Five shows were cancelled (in Marseilles, Paris, Lyon, Bilbao and Gijón) and five were postponed (in Italy, Ireland and Great Britain).
The production was designed by Mark Fisher, Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger and Patrick Woodroffe. The show opened with a circular central screen exploding with fireworks, from which guitarist Keith Richards emerged playing the classic riff to "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction". The stage design included a 46 m (150 ft) long telescoping cantilever bridge that extended from the main stage to a 'B' stage in the center of the field.
One of the innovations was a "web vote" – fans who purchased a ticket could vote for a song they wanted to hear. If a song was picked by the web vote 4 shows in a row it became a permanent part of the set list ("Gimme Shelter" was added early on in the tour and "Under My Thumb" came one shy of 4 on 6 occasions, but never was requested for 4 consecutive shows). A few shows had no web vote (for example, in Brazil, where the band performed with Bob Dylan on "Like a Rolling Stone").
This was the band's first tour where a B-stage was featured at most shows (they had used one on the Voodoo Lounge Tour, but only at one show). The band normally played three numbers on the B-stage, with the exception of the final show where only two were played there.
The Bridges to Babylon Tour was the second-highest-grossing tour at the time, behind their own record-breaking 1994–1995 Voodoo Lounge Tour. It was believed 4.577 million people attended the tour over the 102 shows – 2.02 million in Europe, 2.009 million in North America, 348,000 in Argentina and Brazil, and 200,000 in Japan. The tour reached 25 countries and is the second–largest North American tour of all time – second to the Rolling Stones' 2005–2007 A Bigger Bang Tour.
The tour is documented by the live album No Security and a DVD release of the St. Louis, Missouri show. In 1999 the band commenced another tour called the No Security Tour, which played smaller venues and fewer destinations.
Among the opening acts was, in October 1997, Sheryl Crow. "They invited me to go on their private plane…" she recalled. "Three weeks before I went on the tour, my band and I watched the Stones film Cocksucker Blues. It's a riot – it's complete debauchery and there are several scenes where they're practically having orgies on their private 747 back in the early '70s. So I got on their plane and I thought, 'Wow, what a difference! We definitely have changed our tune here, haven't we?'"
"Bridges to Bremen", a double CD / Blu-ray / DVD live album, was released in June 2019.
"Bridges to Buenos Aires", a double CD / Blu-ray / DVD live album, was released in November 2019.

## Set list

* "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"
* "Let's Spend the Night Together"
* "Flip the Switch"
* "Gimme Shelter"
* "Anybody Seen My Baby?"
* "Saint of Me"
* "Out of Control"
* "Miss You"
* "All About You"
* "Wanna Hold You"
* "Sympathy for the Devil"
* "Tumbling Dice"
* "Honky Tonk Women"
* "Start Me Up"
* "Jumpin' Jack Flash"
* "You Can't Always Get What You Want"
* "Brown Sugar"
* "Waiting on a Friend"

## Shows

List of concerts, showing date, city, country, venue, opening act, tickets sold, number of available tickets and amount of gross revenue :
| Date | City | Country | Venue | Opening act(s) | Attendance | Revenue |
| North America |||||||
| 23 September 1997 | Chicago | United States | Soldier Field | Blues Traveler | 107,186 / 107,186 | $6,260,000 |
| 25 September 1997 | Chicago | United States | Soldier Field | Blues Traveler | 107,186 / 107,186 | $6,260,000 |
| 27 September 1997 | Columbus | United States | Ohio Stadium | Blues Traveler | 60,621 / 60,621 | $3,553,069 |
| 30 September 1997 | Winnipeg | Canada | Winnipeg Stadium | Blues Traveler | 34,685 / 40,000 | $1,575,160 |
| 2 October 1997 | Edmonton | Canada | Commonwealth Stadium | Blues Traveler | 44,036 / 44,036 | $2,033,971 |
| 6 October 1997 | Madison | United States | Camp Randall Stadium | Blues Traveler | 27,087 / 35,000 | $1,460,425 |
| 8 October 1997 | Orchard Park | United States | Rich Stadium | Blues Traveler | 30,404 / 35,000 | $1,655,588 |
| 10 October 1997 | Charlotte | United States | Ericsson Stadium | Blues Traveler | 54,436 / 54,436 | $3,126,945 |
| 12 October 1997 | Philadelphia | United States | Veterans Stadium | Blues Traveler | 56,651 / 56,651 | $3,275,572 |
| 16 October 1997 | East Rutherford | United States | Giants Stadium | Foo Fighters | 118,610 / 118,610 | $6,823,242 |
| 17 October 1997 | East Rutherford | United States | Giants Stadium | Foo Fighters | 118,610 / 118,610 | $6,823,242 |
| 20 October 1997 | Foxborough | United States | Foxboro Stadium | Sheryl Crow | 84,696 / 84,696 | $4,839,760 |
| 21 October 1997 | Foxborough | United States | Foxboro Stadium | Sheryl Crow | 84,696 / 84,696 | $4,839,760 |
| 23 October 1997 | Landover | United States | Jack Kent Cooke Stadium | Sheryl Crow | 55,654 / 55,654 | $3,195,710 |
| 26 October 1997 | Nashville | United States | Vanderbilt Stadium | Sheryl Crow | 45,193 / 45,193 | $2,551,578 |
| 28 October 1997 | Norman | United States | Owen Field | Sheryl Crow | 53,327 / 53,327 | $3,076,378 |
| 30 October 1997 | Albuquerque | United States | University Stadium | Sheryl Crow | 34,362 / 34,362 | $2,075,326 |
| 1 November 1997 | Fort Worth | United States | Texas Motor Speedway | Smashing Pumpkins Dave Matthews Band Matchbox 20 | 43,496 / 50,000 | $3,030,330 |
| 7 November 1997 | Tempe | United States | Sun Devil Stadium | Third Eye Blind | 47,056 / 47,056 | $2,699,842 |
| 9 November 1997 | Los Angeles | United States | Dodger Stadium | The Wallflowers | 90,519 / 90,519 | $5,338,429 |
| 10 November 1997 | Los Angeles | United States | Dodger Stadium | The Wallflowers | 90,519 / 90,519 | $5,338,429 |
| 14 November 1997 | Oakland | United States | Oakland Alameda County Coliseum | Pearl Jam | 186,220 / 186,220 | $10,955,527 |
| 15 November 1997 | Oakland | United States | Oakland Alameda County Coliseum | Pearl Jam | 186,220 / 186,220 | $10,955,527 |
| 18 November 1997 | Oakland | United States | Oakland Alameda County Coliseum | Pearl Jam | 186,220 / 186,220 | $10,955,527 |
| 19 November 1997 | Oakland | United States | Oakland Alameda County Coliseum | Pearl Jam | 186,220 / 186,220 | $10,955,527 |
| 22 November 1997 | Las Vegas | United States | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Jamiroquai | 12,750 / 12,750 | $2,925,800 |
| 25 November 1997 | Minneapolis | United States | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | Third Eye Blind | 46,265 / 46,265 | $2,674,383 |
| 28 November 1997 | Seattle | United States | Kingdome | Third Eye Blind | 42,258 / 42,258 | $2,411,261 |
| 2 December 1997 | Pontiac | United States | Pontiac Silverdome | Third Eye Blind | 51,466 / 51,466 | $2,801,714 |
| 5 December 1997 | Miami | United States | Orange Bowl | Smashing Pumpkins Dave Matthews Band Third Eye Blind | 53,547 / 55,000 | $3,680,635 |
| 7 December 1997 | Orlando | United States | Citrus Bowl | Santana | 32,723 / 35,000 | $1,817,499 |
| 9 December 1997 | Atlanta | United States | Georgia Dome | Third Eye Blind | 52,232 / 52,232 | $3,008,665 |
| 12 December 1997 | St. Louis | United States | TWA Dome | Kenny Wayne Shepherd Dave Matthews Taj Mahal Joshua Redman | 46,474 / 46,474 | $2,538,881 |
| 5 January 1998 | Quebec City | Canada | Colisée de Quebec | Our Lady Peace | 11,993 / 11,993 | $415,705 |
| 14 January 1998 | New York City | United States | Madison Square Garden | Fiona Apple | 53,626 / 53,626 | $6,395,815 |
| 16 January 1998 | New York City | United States | Madison Square Garden | Fiona Apple | 53,626 / 53,626 | $6,395,815 |
| 17 January 1998 | New York City | United States | Madison Square Garden | Fiona Apple | 53,626 / 53,626 | $6,395,815 |
| 23 January 1998 | Honolulu | United States | Aloha Stadium | Jonny Lang | 54,006 / 60,000 | $3,317,190 |
| 24 January 1998 | Honolulu | United States | Aloha Stadium | Jonny Lang | 54,006 / 60,000 | $3,317,190 |
| 28 January 1998 | Vancouver | Canada | BC Place Stadium | Jonny Lang | 37,058 / 40,000 | $1,472,119 |
| 30 January 1998 | Portland | United States | Rose Garden | Jonny Lang | 35,059 / 35,059 | $2,975,914 |
| 31 January 1998 | Portland | United States | Rose Garden | | 35,059 / 35,059 | $2,975,914 |
| 3 February 1998 | San Diego | United States | Qualcomm Stadium | Santana | 55,507 / 55,507 | $3,220,069 |
| 7 February 1998 | Mexico City | Mexico | Foro Sol | El Tri | 88,700 / 88,700 | $3,902,244 |
| 9 February 1998 | Mexico City | Mexico | Foro Sol | El Tri | 88,700 / 88,700 | $3,902,244 |
| 12 February 1998 | Houston | United States | Compaq Center | Jonny Lang | 23,612 / 23,612 | $2,244,058 |
| 13 February 1998 | Houston | United States | Compaq Center | Jonny Lang | 23,612 / 23,612 | $2,244,058 |
| Asia |||||||
| 12 March 1998 | Tokyo | Japan | Tokyo Dome | — | 130,020 / 130,020 | $10,025,470 |
| 14 March 1998 | Tokyo | Japan | Tokyo Dome | — | 130,020 / 130,020 | $10,025,470 |
| 16 March 1998 | Tokyo | Japan | Tokyo Dome | — | 130,020 / 130,020 | $10,025,470 |
| 17 March 1998 | Tokyo | Japan | Tokyo Dome | — | 130,020 / 130,020 | $10,025,470 |
| 20 March 1998 | Osaka | Japan | Osaka Dome | — | 69,427 / 69,427 | $5,317,800 |
| 21 March 1998 | Osaka | Japan | Osaka Dome | — | 69,427 / 69,427 | $5,317,800 |
| South America |||||||
| 29 March 1998 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | River Plate Stadium | Viejas Locas Meredith Brooks | 271,766 / 271,766 | $14,819,850 |
| 30 March 1998 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | River Plate Stadium | Las Pelotas Meredith Brooks | 271,766 / 271,766 | $14,819,850 |
| 2 April 1998 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | River Plate Stadium | — | 271,766 / 271,766 | $14,819,850 |
| 4 April 1998 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | River Plate Stadium | Las Pelotas Bob Dylan | 271,766 / 271,766 | $14,819,850 |
| 5 April 1998 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | River Plate Stadium | Las Pelotas Bob Dylan | 271,766 / 271,766 | $14,819,850 |
| 11 April 1998 | Rio de Janeiro | Brazil | Praça da Apoteose | Bob Dylan | 27,984 / 27,984 | $1,253,277 |
| 13 April 1998 | São Paulo | Brazil | Estádio Ícaro de Castro Mello | Bob Dylan | 48,606 / 48,606 | $2,591,148 |
| North America |||||||
| 17 April 1998 | Syracuse | United States | Carrier Dome | Our Lady Peace | 26,047 / 28,000 | $1,231,694 |
| 19 April 1998 | Montreal | Canada | Molson Centre | — | 32,097 / 32,097 | $1,339,778 |
| 20 April 1998 | Montreal | Canada | Molson Centre | — | 32,097 / 32,097 | $1,339,778 |
| 23 April 1998 | Chicago | United States | United Center | Buddy Guy | 18,672 / 18,672 | $2,234,920 |
| 26 April 1998 | Toronto | Canada | SkyDome | Wide Mouth Mason | 54,986 / 54,986 | $2,222,969 |
| Europe |||||||
| 13 June 1998 | Nuremberg | Germany | Zeppelinfeld | Jonny Lang | 91,590 / 91,590 | $4,366,698 |
| 20 June 1998 | Werchter | Belgium | Rock Werchter | Simple Minds | 95,104 / 95,104 | $4,095,315 |
| 21 June 1998 | Werchter | Belgium | Rock Werchter | Simple Minds | 95,104 / 95,104 | $4,095,315 |
| 24 June 1998 | Düsseldorf | Germany | Rheinstadion | Dave Matthews Band | 59,022 / 59,022 | $3,958,940 |
| 26 June 1998 | Hanover | Germany | Expo Gelaende | Dave Matthews Band | 89,963 / 89,963 | $4,253,451 |
| 29 June 1998 | Amsterdam | Netherlands | Amsterdam ArenA | Dave Matthews Band | 261,277 / 261,277 | $11,094,308 |
| 1 July 1998 | Amsterdam | Netherlands | Amsterdam ArenA | Dave Matthews Band | 261,277 / 261,277 | $11,094,308 |
| 2 July 1998 | Amsterdam | Netherlands | Amsterdam ArenA | Dave Matthews Band | 261,277 / 261,277 | $11,094,308 |
| 5 July 1998 | Amsterdam | Netherlands | Amsterdam ArenA | Dave Matthews Band | 261,277 / 261,277 | $11,094,308 |
| 6 July 1998 | Amsterdam | Netherlands | Amsterdam ArenA | Dave Matthews Band | 261,277 / 261,277 | $11,094,308 |
| 9 July 1998 | Frauenfeld | Switzerland | Pferderennbahn | Dave Matthews Band | 59,768 / 59,768 | $2,641,315 |
| 11 July 1998 | Wiener Neustadt | Austria | Flugfeld | — | 57,216 / 57,216 | $2,497,966 |
| 13 July 1998 | Munich | Germany | Olympiastadion | Hothouse Flowers | 74,588 / 74,588 | $4,303,476 |
| 16 July 1998 | Málaga | Spain | Puerto de Málaga | Hothouse Flowers | 34,450 / 40,000 | $1,477,476 |
| 18 July 1998 | Vigo | Spain | Estadio Balaídos | Seahorses | 33,116 / 35,000 | $1,527,642 |
| 20 July 1998 | Barcelona | Spain | Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys | Hothouse Flowers | 52,375 / 52,375 | $2,464,319 |
| 25 July 1998 | Saint-Denis | France | Stade de France | Jean-Louis Aubert | 76,716 / 76,716 | $4,406,313 |
| 27 July 1998 | Gelsenkirchen | Germany | Parkstadion | Hothouse Flowers | 34,610 / 40,000 | $2,139,815 |
| 29 July 1998 | Copenhagen | Denmark | Idraetsparken | Seahorses | 47,726 / 47,726 | $2,832,622 |
| 31 July 1998 | Gothenburg | Sweden | Nya Ullevi | Seahorses | 56,683 / 56,683 | $2,630,783 |
| 2 August 1998 | Oslo | Norway | Valle Hovin | Seahorses | 30,447 / 35,000 | $1,522,378 |
| 5 August 1998 | Helsinki | Finland | Olympic Stadium | Seahorses | 45,236 / 45,236 | $2,282,011 |
| 8 August 1998 | Tallinn | Estonia | Song Festival Grounds | Big Country | 28,152 / 40,000 | $1,134,161 |
| 11 August 1998 | Moscow | Russia | Luzhniki Stadium | Splean | 45,304 / 45,304 | $1,513,838 |
| 14 August 1998 | Chorzów | Poland | Stadion Śląski | Dżem | 44,598 / 44,598 | $1,440,020 |
| 20 August 1998 | Zagreb | Croatia | Zagreb Hippodrome | Big Country | 76,755 / 76,755 | $2,313,386 |
| 22 August 1998 | Prague | Czech Republic | Sportovní Hala | The Corrs | 16,000 / 16,000 | — |
| 26 August 1998 | Berlin | Germany | Olympiastadion | Big Country | 70,900 / 70,900 | $4,194,917 |
| 28 August 1998 | Leipzig | Germany | Festwiese | Big Country | 74,348 / 74,348 | $3,510,436 |
| 30 August 1998 | Hamburg | Germany | Trabrennbahn Bahrenfeld | Big Country | 90,000 / 90,000 | $4,235,411 |
| 2 September 1998 | Bremen | Germany | Weserstadion | Big Country | 32,288 / 40,000 | $2,149,934 |
| 5 September 1998 | The Hague | Netherlands | Malieveld | Big Country | 86,000 / 86,000 | $3,699,393 |
| 8 September 1998 | Stockholm | Sweden | Stockholm Globe Arena | Soundtrack of our Lives | 15,580 / 15,580 | $932,377 |
| 10 September 1998 | Berlin | Germany | Waldbühne | The Corrs | 16,403 / 16,403 | $1,560,032 |
| 12 September 1998 | Mannheim | Germany | Maimarktgelände | The Corrs | 85,913 / 85,913 | $4,448,942 |
| 16 September 1998 | Athens | Greece | Olympic Stadium | Xylina Spathia | 79,446 / 79,446 | $3,859,407 |
| 19 September 1998 | Istanbul | Turkey | Ali Sami Yen Stadium | — | 14,873 / 20,000 | $642,999 |
| Total | Total | Total | Total | Total | 4,437,567 / 4,518,578 | $248,495,791 |

## Personnel
### The Rolling Stones

* Mick Jagger – lead vocals, guitar, harmonica, percussion, keyboards
* Keith Richards – rhythm guitar, vocals
* Ronnie Wood – lead guitar, keyboards
* Charlie Watts – drums

### Additional musicians

* Darryl Jones – bass, backing vocals
* Chuck Leavell – keyboards, backing vocals
* Bobby Keys – saxophone
* Andy Snitzer – saxophone, keyboards
* Michael Davis – trombone
* Kent Smith – trumpet
* Lisa Fischer – backing vocals
* Bernard Fowler – backing vocals, percussion
* Blondie Chaplin – backing vocals, percussion, guitar, keyboards
* Pierre de Beauport – keyboards on "Thief in the Night"