On this day in 1973, The Rolling Stones appeared at a benefit concert to raise funds for victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua

On December 23, 1972 a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Nicaragua near its capital, Managua. It caused widespread damage, leaving over 300,000 people homeless, killing somewhere between 4,000 and 11,000 and injuring 20,000. 

Nicaragua was the home of Mick Jagger’s wife at the time, Bianca, and the pair visited five days after the quake to look for Bianca’s mother, who was found alive and well, but with her home destroyed. Shocked by the damage, the Jaggers helped deliver boxes of medical supplies to the Nicaraguan Red Cross. Shortly after, the idea was floated by promoter Bill Graham to hold a concert to raise funds for the country, and the Forum venue in Los Angeles was quickly reserved to hold it in. 

Joining the Stones would be comedy duo Cheech and Chong, and Santana, whose timbales player was also from Nicaragua. On the day of the concert a swarm of people appeared ready to purchase tickets, and cheaper seats soon sold out, though the $100 seat tickets were available all day, until their price was eventually dropped. The show started with a minute of meditation for the victims, before Santana played an unusually raucous set, much to the crowds delight. Next was Cheech and Chong, who delivered their usual off colour jokes. 

A 45 minute break ensued, as the crew set up for the Stone’s performance. Finally Jagger appeared, and the rest of the band soon followed him out. The group played  a marathon set, including some new music as well as a wide variety of their hits over the years, with Gimme Shelter, Jumping Jack Flash and Street Fighting Man all getting a run. Finally, after nearly two hours, the show finished and the band headed off-stage. 

The highly successful show raised around $350,000 for the earthquake victims.