December 11, 1968 ~ The Rolling Stones record their Rolling Stones’ Rock and Roll Circus TV special – and then bury it for nearly 30 years.

The Boys organize and headline the event, which is played under a grungy circus tent for invited guests, most of whom wear yellow ponchos. Among the acts preceding the Stones’ performance are Jethro Tull, The Who, Taj Mahal, and assorted — well — circus acts. Also appearing: The Dirty Mac, a one-time grouping of Eric Clapton, John Lennon, Keith Richards, and Mitch Mitchell.

The recording takes far longer than expected, lasting until 5 o’clock the next morning. The special never airs: rumor has it that Jagger is so disappointed with the Stones’ showing that he kills it. This decision holds until October 12, 1996, when it is finally shown at the New York Film Festival and is released on video.