The Rolling Stones played to tens of thousands in the Cuban capital, Havana, where most foreign rock music was banned for several decades.

Many people attended the free concert were lifelong fans who for years had to keep quiet about their love of the famous band and other groups, BBC reports.

Mick Jagger welcomed fans in Spanish before opening the concert with the 1968 hit Jumpin’ Jack Flash.

The concert comes days after a historic visit by US President Barack Obama.

“Hello, Havana. Good evening, my people of Cuba,” said Jagger before beginning the concert.

The band performed 18 songs, including Sympathy for the Devil and Satisfaction, while fans travelled from many places of Cuba and other countries to witness what some described as a historic moment.

“It was forbidden. We couldn’t have the Beatles or some singers from Latin America. Now we are allowed to hear what we want to hear,” a fan told the BBC.

“The visit from Obama [earlier this week], and now the Rolling Stones. It’s just unique and historic. So, yeah, nice to be here,” said another one.

“After today I can die,” Joaquin Ortiz, a 62-year-old night watchman, told the Associated Press. “This is like my last wish, seeing the Rolling Stones.”