The Rolling Stones Tour of Cheltenham

Cheltenham claims its part in the history of Rock’n’Roll as the birthplace of the founding member of The Rolling Stones Brian Jones. This blog shows some of the places in Cheltenham associated with Brian Jones and the Rolling Stones.

Brian Jones (1942-1969)

‘Rosemead’ 17 Eldorado Road, Lansdown

Brian Jones’ family lived there when Brian was born on 28 February, 1942 . His parents, Louis and Louisa Jones, encouraged him from early age to take up music. There is a blue plaque at the entrance to ‘Rosemead’ paid for by the Brian Jones fan club.


355 Hatherley Rd, Up Hatherley

Brian Jones spent his childhood in this house, where the family moved after Rosemead.

Dean Close Preparatory School, Lansdown

In Dean Close Preparatory School Brian got his primary education. He took piano lessons and his teachers very quickly discovered his rare musical talent. He eventually took up the clarinet and played it at the school orchestra.

Pate’s Grammar School

After passing his eleven-plus in 1953 Brian went to Cheltenham Grammar School for Boys. His exam results were excellent, but his refusal to conform to the authority brought the anger of the teachers upon him. At the time Brian attended the school, the building was situated in the lower part of the High Street. Since then the site has long been given over to the shops and the school is now located on the western side of the town in a modern building.

Former Odeon Cinema, Pittville

The Rolling Stones performed 2 sell out shows in Cheltenham Odeon on 8th October 1963 and then again 10th February and 10th September 1964, as well as 27th September 1965. The September performance in 1964 was compered by Don Spencer and the evening was started by The Innocents, Mike Berry and the Mojos. The Gloucestershire Echo reported: “Police officers, security men, commissionaires and first aid men linked arms last night to prevent screaming fans from rushing the stage at both perfomances by the Rolling Stones at the Odeon Cinema. One girl managed to clamber onto the platform, but was quickly hauled down. During their lively act the Stones were pelted with sweets and other objects as tokens of affection … After the show crowds of fans waited outside in front of the cinema, but the Rolling Stones slipped out the back way with a police escort and went off in their own car.”


St. Mary’s Church

Cheltenham parish church was the place of Brian Jones’ funeral.


Cheltenham Cemetary and Crematorium, Prestbury

Brian Jones’ grave in Cheltenham Crematorium has become a place of pilgrimage of many of his fans.


Beechwood Shopping Arcade, High Street

Cheltenham commemorated its famous son on 15th November 2005 when The “Golden Boy” Bronze Bust of Brian Jones was unveiled in Cheltenham's Beechwood Shopping Centre. It was designed by local sculptor Maurice Juggins, and was cast into a bronze by Castle Fine Arts Foundry Ltd.


The Wheatsheaf Inn, Leckhampton

16-year-old Brian visited every week in the 1950s the Wheatsheaf Inn’s skittle alley, today the pub has plans for permanent display of Brian Jones memorabilia, which will include pictures of Brian, paintings and even a replica of the musician's Teardrop guitar. Wheatsheaf Inn’s skittle alley was once known as Club 66 and was a starting point for Brian's musical career. When it is complete, the museum will be a permanent tribute to the rock legend. The museum is due to be opened in October by 60s star PJ Proby.