The Rolling Stones returned to the Hyde Park stage tonight, 44 years after they famously welcomed 200,000 fans for a free concert in the summer of 1969.

It was a concert that almost didn’t happen, as less than three days prior to it The Stones’ former bandmate Brian Jones was found drowned in his pool. But instead of cancelling the concert, the band went on and paid tribute to their friend. Poetry was recited, and butterflies were released over the crowd.

Tonight’s event was by all accounts a joyous one as 65,000 fans braved the scorching heat to rock and cheer to the band’s hit-drenched set. But Jagger did pay tribute once again by wearing a butterfly during a performance of ‘I Miss You’.

"Anyone here who was here in 1969?" Jagger asked. "Welcome back – it is nice to see you again."

And any pioneers who did return to the original site with the band tonight were treated to a much more lavish performance than they were those many years ago. Pyrotechnics and a stage framed with 70-foot oak trees were among the new additions.

Check out the band's original Hyde Park from 1969, and footage from last night's return below: