Mxdwn were one of the earliest to announce this rumour on 1 March (see article) and the date is confirmed as Friday 25/3. The earliest rumours were released by Cuban newspaper Granma. This political milestone follows this week’s historic visit to Cuba by President Barrack Obama.

Author of Rocks Off, Bill Janovitz told Al Jazeera:

“What strikes me is the longevity of these guys they’re well into their 70s, beyond retirement age for most people. Not only are they still out there, but they’re not taking the easy route. They’re inserting themselves into a worldwide political conversation.”

Cuba follows the Rolling Stones’ March tour of South America which concluded in Central American, Mexico.

Fidel Castro’s rebellion began in 1953 some nine years before the Rolling Stones got together in 1962.

James Early, a former Smithsonian Institution director, told Al Jazeera:

“I don’t mean to detract from the Rolling Stones, which will be a great attraction for Cuba, but to suggest that somehow this is opening the curtain of universal culture for them is just way beyond the pale. It’s a very cultured country.”

According to Sky News the Rolling Stones invited Cubans to this free concert via YouTube in a message in Spanish by frontman Sir Mick Jagger. Let’s hope fans get the message on time with only 3.4% on homes being connected to the internet.

“We have played in many incredible places but this concert in Havana is going to be a historic event for us. We hope it will be for you, too.”

The Rolling Stones will be the first international group to play Cuba.