The Rolling Stones Electrocuted Onstage in Denmark 60 Years Ago

One band member was left unconscious after a shocking incident during a 1965 show.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:07pm

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On March 26, 1965, The Rolling Stones were rehearsing for a show in Odense, Denmark when three of the five band members received electric shocks onstage. Frontman Mick Jagger and guitarist Brian Jones were both shocked, and bassist Bill Wyman was left unconscious after being knocked into by Jagger. The incident was reportedly caused by a faulty microphone or Jagger touching two live mics at the same time.

Why it matters

The near-tragedy highlights the hazards of live performances, especially in the early days of rock music when safety standards were less stringent. The incident also underscores the physical toll the rock 'n' roll lifestyle can take on musicians.

The details

During the rehearsal, Jagger received an electric shock that spun him around and caused him to collide with Jones, shocking him as well. Jagger then knocked Jones into Wyman, who collapsed unconscious on the stage after receiving a 220-volt shock. The show's promoter said Wyman was lucky to ever play bass again, and that Jagger's accidental unplugging of the main power cord likely saved Wyman's life.

  • The incident occurred on March 26, 1965 during a rehearsal for The Rolling Stones' show at the Fyens Forum in Odense, Denmark.
  • The band was in the middle of a Scandinavian tour, with shows scheduled in Denmark and Sweden.

The players

Mick Jagger

The lead singer of The Rolling Stones, who received an electric shock that spun him around and caused him to collide with another band member.

Brian Jones

The guitarist for The Rolling Stones, who was shocked after Jagger knocked him into the equipment.

Bill Wyman

The bassist for The Rolling Stones, who was left unconscious after being knocked into by Jagger and receiving a 220-volt electric shock.

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What they’re saying

“I thought he was dead. I was horrified. We all were.”

— Mick Martin, Attendee

What’s next

The band continued their Scandinavian tour after the incident, with shows scheduled in Sweden. Nine months later, guitarist Keith Richards also suffered an electric shock during a show in California.

The takeaway

The electrocution incident highlights the physical risks and hazards that rock musicians faced in the early days of the industry, when safety standards were less stringent. It underscores the toll the rock 'n' roll lifestyle can take on performers, even at the height of their fame and success.