Honky Tonk Woman: Tina Turner opening for the Rolling Stones in 1981

The Rolling Stones had a great influence on Tina Turner’s career. Tina was influenced by their music and covered their songs throughout her career (Honky Tonk Woman, Jumping Jack Flash, It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll, Out Of Time). Moreover, she was impressed by their capability to sell out arena’s and stadiums all over the world.

Click below to continue reading and for audio files!

But it wasn’t just Tina who was influenced by the Rolling Stones, the Stones were big fans of Ike & Tina. They brought Ike & Tina along to open for them on their 1966 UK tour, introducing them to the UK audience. Also on their 1969 US tour, Ike & Tina were the opening act, and this got them more known among the wider US public.

Another major turning point in Tina’s career came in 1981, when she was invited to open for the Rolling Stones during three dates in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This, together with appearances with Rod Stewart in concert and on Saturday Night Live, plus a succesful series of concerts at New York club The Ritz, marked the beginning of her comeback as a solo artist.

Besides her opening act, Tina also duetted with the Stones on Honky Tonk Woman during their set. All three of the nights (November 5, 6 and 7) at the Brendan Byrne Arena (now IZOD Center) in East Rutherford were recorded. You can listen to the audio of Honky Tonk Woman from three nights below. Enjoy!

Rolling Stones & Tina Turner – Honky Tonk Woman -November 5, 1981

Rolling Stones & Tina Turner – Honky Tonk Woman -November 6, 1981

Rolling Stones & Tina Turner – Honky Tonk Woman -November 7, 1981 :

Oh, and in case you are wondering why Tina and Mick appear to be singing something else… that’s because they are! While Mick sings about Honky Tonk Women, Tina considers herself being one of them, a Honky Tonk Woman. Tina is known for changing the lyrics a bit for her cover songs (partly her creative input, partly because she has trouble remembering the lyrics). Therefore, here are the lyrics to Tina’s version of Honky Tonk Women: Honky Tonk Woman.

I met a gin soaked, bar-room man in Memphis,
He tried to take me upstairs for a ride.
He had to heave me right across his shoulder
‘Cause I just can’t seem to drink the man off my mind.

I’m a honky tonk woman
Gimme, gimme, gimme a honky tonk man.

I laid a VIP in New York City,
I had to get myself out of a fight with his wife.
Later the man, he covered me in roses, red roses!
He blew my nose and then he blew my mind.

I’m a honky tonk woman
Gimme, gimme, gimme a honky tonk man.