Did the Rolling Stones accidentally confirm Coachella appearance?

By Randall Roberts

Dec. 14, 2012 12 AM PT

One of the glaring holes in the Rolling Stones’ long-gestating 50-year anniversary celebration has been the absence of any West Coast gigs. While New York and London have been privy to concerts, the band has been noticeably mum when it comes to Los Angeles.

Perhaps that reason for the radio silence is that a Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival appearance is in the works.

In a post published Friday morning, Rolling Stone magazine offered a screen shot by @justinluey of the Rolling Stones smartphone app, which shares upcoming gig information. That photo showed the Stones as having a concert date on Friday, April 12. As any self-respecting Coachella follower knows, that’s the first day of the 2013 Coachella Music and Arts Festival. The date has since been removed from the app.

Speculation has long been bubbling about the Stones at Coachella; in fact, as the band was teasing the world with its plans to celebrate its 50 years as a unit, many thought they’d kick it off at Coachella 2012. That didn’t happen.

But maybe it’s happening in a few months? It would stand to reason. After all, Paul McCartney gigged there a few years ago to great acclaim (and not a lot of grumbling from the alternative kids), and Roger Waters has done it, too. Are the Stones next on the docket?

Let the Coachella speculation begin. Most of the tickets for 2013’s Coachella dates have already been sold, and while Goldenvoice is being mum, fans won’t have to wait long. The full Coachella lineup is typically unveiled in early January.

ALSO:

Review: ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ revisited

Mick Jagger’s letters sold in London auction

Review: Rock legends take over Sandy benefit

Twitter/@liledit