What Was the 'Burn Your Money' Incident During the Rolling Stones' 1964 Australian Tour?

The “Burn Your Money” incident was a manufactured scandal that nearly got the Rolling Stones banned from Australia before they even played a note. In January 1964, just before their first Australian tour, a rumor spread that the band had told fans to burn Australian pound notes because the currency was “rubbish.” The story originated from a misinterpreted comment by the band’s then-manager, who jokingly suggested that if fans didn’t like the ticket prices, they should burn their money. The Australian press ran with it, and politicians called for the tour to be cancelled.

The Stones themselves never said anything about burning money. Once they arrived, they denied the story in press conferences, and the controversy actually boosted ticket sales. The incident became part of the band’s early rebellious lore, even though it was almost entirely a media invention.