On This Day in 1972, a Bombing Before a Rolling Stones Concert Sparked a Decades-Long Unsolved Mystery

On this day (July 17) in 1972, the Rolling Stones were slated to perform at the Montreal Forum as part of their North American tour. In the early hours of the morning, an unknown bomber placed dynamite under a loading ramp. The bomb detonated at 3 o’clock that morning, breaking windows and damaging some of the band’s gear.

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The Rolling Stones’ 1972 tour is the stuff of rock and roll legend. It was their first trip to North America after fleeing to France to dodge high taxes in the United Kingdom. It was also their first time back on American soil after their ill-fated 1969 show at the Altamont Speedway in California. During the concert, a member of the Hell’s Angels, whom the band had hired as event security, stabbed a fan to death. The infamous motorcycle club was rumored to have a vendetta against the band.

[RELATED: On This Day in 1965, The Rolling Stones Scored Their First No. 1 in the United States with a Song Banned in Their Home Country]

The Bombing Left the Rolling Stones Shaken, But Determined

When the bomb went off on the morning of July 17, it was just another bump in the road for the Stones. While the actions of the still-unnamed bomber didn’t injure anyone, it sparked rumors of future attacks. Authorities believed that it was only the first of multiple bombings targeting the Rolling Stones concert. As a result, the band took the stage almost an hour late due to bomb squads sweeping the venue.

Authorities and locals weren’t the only ones who were worried about the possibility of further attacks. “I was worried, man,” Charlie Watts said. “I don’t want to get blown up,” he added. Mick Jagger was also on edge. “I was frightened for everybody that some motherf**ker put a bomb in the hall in the middle of the show, and some kids were gonna get hurt,” he shared.

There are several theories about who planted the bomb. Some point to French separatists. Other theories point the finger at the Hell’s Angels. At the same time, multiple people have come forward to claim responsibility for the attack over the years. However, no one has ever been convicted of planting the bomb.

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