IT was 50 years ago that the Rolling Stones, the bad boys of rock, first wowed fans in Southampton.

For five decades, the iconic rock band have travelled the globe, performing in front of vast audiences in huge arenas but in their early days they were more used to venues such as Southampton’s Gaumont, now better known as The Mayflower theatre, where they appeared for four years running during the 1960s.

They first appeared in Southampton on September 29, 1963, supporting rhythm and blues singer Bo Diddley and hit parade favourites The Everly Brothers.

The following year they had their first No 1, It’s All Over Now, and returned to Southampton on October 4, 1964, at the top of the bill.

That same year, Meridian Tonight presenter Fred Dinenage interviewed the group for Southern Television’s Three Go Round.

“They picked their noses, took their shoes and socks off, talked among themselves and ignored me,’’ recalls Fred.

After the difficult interview, founding member Brian Jones offered an apology to the former How! presenter for the band’s rebellious behaviour.

“Brian Jones put his arm round my shoulder, and said: ‘I’m sorry about that old son but that’s the way we’ve been told to behave’. They were actually rather nice guys. The Beatles were the good guys and the image of the Stones was to be the bad guys.’’ Three more number ones – Little Red Rooster, The Last Time and Satisfaction, which also topped the US charts – followed, establishing them as second only to The Beatles in popularity by the time of their next visit to Southampton on September 25, 1965.

A reporter from the Daily Echo sent to interview them during the break between the two, 20-minute long shows at the Gaumont found the Rolling Stones talked “quietly and amiably.’’ Keith Richards told the Daily Echo: “The screaming fans don’t really worry us. After all, they pay to see us and if they want so scream I think they are entitled to.

“Of course, when fans start rioting like they did in Germany recently it can be dangerous for everyone.’’ According to the Daily Echo, bass guitarist Bill Wyman sat “ghost-like’’ listening to the conversation and drummer Charlie Watts delved deep into a bag of chips.

The report added: “Critics have called them many things, some even complimentary, but most have been highly critical of the way they dress, their long hair and their attitude.’’ Another year and several more hits on, including the chart toppers, Get Off My Cloud and Paint It Black, the Rolling Stones returned for their last visit on October 9, 1966, topping a bill which also featured Ike and Tina Turner and The Yardbirds.