If you love classic rock then the first band you have to start with is the Rolling Stones. Next month the Stones will celebrate their 50th year since the band formed in 1962. They released their first album, "The Rolling Stones", in 1964 and have since released an incredible total of 29 studio albums, 12 live albums and 107 singles, making this band the crowned kings of classic rock. It is highly rumored that the band will launch a world tour in 2012 to celebrate their 50 years of rock n roll.

The Stones were first labeled "the greatest rock n roll band in the world" when they were introduced at Madison Square Garden when they recorded their live album "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" in 1969 . And the way they played that night they did little to discourage the new title bestowed upon them. Since then the Stones have broken every concert record to date, often times breaking records they previously set. The Stones tours have grossed into the billions of dollars in gate receipts alone. One can only wonder what kind of records may be set with a 50th anniversary tour as fans are always wondering if this one will be the last.

The glue that has held this band together for half a century, Charlie Watts, is said to be "ready to go", as is Ronnie Woods. It's been rumored that retired bassist Billy Wyman will come out of retirement for a 50th anniversary tour. Seems like the Stones are following their idols like Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon who toured into their late ages. They just keep rolling along, as these stones gather no moss.

They have seen 10 US presidents come and go. The Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Balkans and the second Gulf War, the fall of the Berlin wall and still the Stones rock on. They've seen the transformation of the album into the 8 track cassette, into the cassette and that into cd's. 8mm film to vhs to dvd's, the birth of microwaves, cable TV, home computers and cell phones... this band is history itself. They helped usher in the classic rock era and watched as disco, big hair and the rap eras came and went and through all this they have just kept their music simple and pure and very enjoyable.

I know Beatles fans may not agree, but the Stones are living legends who still continue to wow their fans after 50 years. Their longevity alone has earned them the right to wear the title "Worlds Greatest Rock n Roll Band"! As a huge classic rock fan I can say I'm glad the Stones are still around and hope to catch a show or two when they hit the road this year... and like the Stones say, it's only rock n roll but I like it!