Stones, Dylan, McCartney, Who, take road trip

It’s official: the mega-festival of the decade, Desert Trip, is taking place in October with six of the biggest rock legends of all time. 

It will be staged in Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California, site of the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals. Unlike these, Desert Trip will feature a single massive stage with grandstand seating. The gigs will be scheduled as follows:

Friday, 7 October: The Rolling Stones, with Bob Dylan and his band

Saturday, 8 October: Paul McCartney with Neil Young + Promise of the Real

Sunday, 9 October: Roger Waters with The Who

The acts, all Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, are rumoured to be paid $7 million each. Organiser Goldenvoice CEO Paul Tollett neither confirms or denies, but says, “They’re all getting what they’re worth.” Each will play a full set to start after sunset.

The Who’s Roger Daltrey said, “It’s a fantastic idea. It’s the greatest remains of our era. I hope a lot of normal fans can get tickets before they get snatched up.” 

However that is going to be a problem given the mind-bogglingly low ticket prices:

Single-day passes – $199 

Three-day general admission – $399

Reserved floor – $699, $999, $1,599

Reserved grandstand – $999, $1599

Standing pit – $1,599

VIP experiences, hotel packages and camping will also be available.

There’ll be world famous chefs with food from 40 of the best restaurants from Los Angeles to New York.

According to Daltrey, "I don’t think any of us cares who goes on first. We’ve never worried about that. The music is all so different, that’s not going to matter at all." 

Organiser Paul Tollett told Rolling Stone that he began working on Road Trip two years ago. He had just six names in mind. He went to concerts by each one and pitched them the idea. He was careful not to start off by talking financials.

“[The Stones] asked what I was working on. I said, ‘I’m working on one of the greatest shows of all time. I don’t know what that means, but I’ll come back to you.” A couple asked what he’d do if any of the six didn’t sign on. He replied there’d be no show.

Tollett knew five of the acts personally. The exception was Dylan. “I live out near him, but he’s not the type of guy you run into at 7-Eleven.”