Rolling Stones performs historic concert in Cuba

Keith Richards (R), Mick Jagger (C) and Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones perform a free outdoor concert at Ciudad Deportiva de la Habana sports complex in Havana, Cuba March 25, 2016.[Photo/Agencies]

HAVANA -- The legendary British rock band the Rolling Stones played its first ever concert in Cuba on Friday, widely touted as the island country's biggest ever rock show.

Organizers expected that around a half million people watched the performance at the open-air sports complex Ciudad Deportiva in the capital Havana.

The brothers Abel and Ariel Mendez told Xinhua that they travelled with friends from the western city of Pinar del Rio to witness the landmark show.

"It's a historical moment that we could not lose," Ariel said.

As the first major international rock stars to play in Cuba, the band's producer Dale Skjerseth said the show would be "unique and with surprises."

The band's Cuba stop ends its "Ole" Latin America tour, which also included concerts in Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina and Mexico.