The Rolling Stones are going to play Cuba for the first time — and it'll make history

Gary Hershorn/Reuters

The Rolling Stones have officially announced that they will be performing a free concert in Havana, Cuba, on March 25. 

This is the first time the legendary group will be performing in the country, and it also marks the first time a British rock band has ever performed a free open air concert there.

“We have performed in many special places during our long career but this show in Havana is going to be a landmark event for us, and, we hope, for all our friends in Cuba too,” the band said in a statement released Tuesday.

The free concert, which has been in the planning stages for several months, comes just after the band's "America Latina Ole" tour, which is currently making stops in South America.

The Stones will also be leading a musician-to-musician initiative in Cuba. Much-needed musical instruments and equipment will be donated by major suppliers for the benefit of Cuban musicians of all genres. Donors include the Gibson Foundation, Vic Firth, RS Berkeley, Pearl, Zildjian, Gretsch, Latin Percussion, Roland, and BOSS, with additional assistance from the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

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