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The Story Behind the “Unfair” Prank The Rolling Stones Pulled on Their Motown Opener in 1972
The Rolling Stones ended their 1972 summer tour at Madison Square Garden by inviting their support act, Stevie Wonder, back on stage for a joint performance before launching a custard-pie fight. Mick Jagger later described the stunt as “rather unfair” to Wonder, but the singer embraced the chaos and joined in, turning it into a celebratory finale rather than an unwelcome prank.
Wonder recalled musicians slipping in pie while continuing to play, with performers throwing and smearing custard across the stage. The tour also gave Wonder valuable exposure to the Stones’ largely white rock audience shortly before the release of his 1972 album *Talking Book*, which included hits such as “Superstition” and “You Are the Sunshine of My Life”.
In short
- The Stones ended their 1972 tour with a custard-pie fight.
- Stevie Wonder joined the prank enthusiastically.
- The support slot broadened Wonder’s rock audience.
Explained simply
The Rolling Stones were one of the world's biggest rock bands of the 1970s, whilst Stevie Wonder was an acclaimed soul musician climbing towards mainstream superstardom. Wonder was chosen as support for the Stones' 1972 summer tour, which concluded with a headline performance at Madison Square Garden in New York.
During the final show, the Stones invited Wonder back on stage for a joint performance as the night drew to a close. The band then launched a custard-pie fight, with performers throwing and smearing pies whilst musicians continued playing. Mick Jagger later described the stunt as "rather unfair" to Wonder, but the singer embraced the chaos and joined in, turning the moment into celebration rather than an unwelcome prank.
The moment was significant for Wonder because it introduced him to the Stones' largely white rock audience at a crucial time in his career. His album Talking Book, featuring hits such as Superstition and You Are the Sunshine of My Life, was about to be released, and the prominent exposure helped expand his reach beyond his existing fanbase.
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