Moves Like Jagger: Seeing The Rolling Stones Live
Last week, I had the thrill of seeing The Rolling Stones live for the fifth time, and once again, they were amazing! But when it comes to being a true Stones aficionado, my husband takes the crown, having seen them a staggering 40 times.
So, I’m handing over the reins to him – after all, who better to dive into the details than someone who’s practically a Rolling Stones expert? Take it away, honey!
Mike
How is all this possible?
How is it possible that my 40th show might have been the best one yet?
How is it possible that Mick Jagger sounds stronger than he did on 5 August 2019, when I last saw them at this very venue?
How is it possible that Keith Richards still coaxes scorching blues solos from those mangled, arthritic fingers?
How is it possible that Steve Jordan LITERALLY doesn’t miss a beat from when Charlie left the drummer’s seat?
“How is it possible?” I asked myself this after every song, and I am grateful for the band and crew for making it possible.
Highlights:
“Bitch:” the first surprise of the night. “My heart’s beating louder than a big bass drum” as Mick pounds his chest to make sure his repaired ticker ignites once again. The horn section adds swagger to Jagger magnificently.
“Heartbreaker!” Didn’t see that one coming. Kudos to Chuck Leavell for whipping the tour band into shape for this “Goat’s Head Soup” chestnut. Flawless. The horn section on point!
“Little T&A:” again with the horn section! They step in and make it a muscular soul tune. The maestro is in fine voice with supple chord changes. Again—how is this possible?!
“Wild Horses.” When Mick sings “I got my freedom, but I don’t have much time,” was I the only one that lumped in their throat? Reminds us all that life is to be savored. The slow ballad of the night might be the highlight.
“Midnight Rambler.” First time in 40 shows they axed “Miss You,” in a NYC crowd, no less! The blues opera was a shambolic mess, yet isn’t that when we find The Rolling Stones at their very best?
Cues missed, Mick cueing Steve Jordan from 1/2 way across the stadium with some inaudible direction, howling solos in the night air. I have the chills just writing this.
“Honky Tonk Woman” Chuck Leavell’s solo in the middle, with the kick of the boot on the keys to announce “I’m done.” Classic. Mick sprinted from the bulbous mini-stage in the middle of the stadium back to the band. How is it possible?
“Gimme Shelter/Sweet Sounds of Heaven” Chanel Haynes injects a new energy from Mick. Not since Tina Turner (who she played in a musical) has there been a female musical foil able to kick the old rooster up the arse, and she did it.
When she hits high notes, her face contorts into something angry and menacing—perfect for a rock show! You can hear her creeping into high gear on “Tumbling Dice” as well. Love how Bernard Fowler is comfortable enough in his own skin/role to let the new gal soar!
You cannot say enough about Steve Jordan. Visually, he is in a sharp suit in honor of his sharp-dressed predecessor and musically, he finds a way to put a new personality and energy into the songs while honoring the steady beat of Charlie.
Mick might be the brains and Keith might be the heart, but the garrulous Ronnie Wood is the adrenal gland that provides pacing and countless energy bursts. When he walks out on the ramp and soaks in the applause during band introductions, it is akin to a phone charging that feeds his energy for the explosive finish. The man was magnificent throughout the night.
Despite reviews talking about boundless energy and time standing still, longtime Stones fans know better. Jagger walks more than he runs, the prances are more measured. Keith and Ronnie barely move. Perhaps a better commentary on their age is that they harness what they can/can no longer do into a more focused and concentrated performance. Jagger SINGS. He’s not leading an aerobics class to 70,000 the way he did in 1981, which is not a bad thing. “Still Life” was a live album he wheezed through; it would be interesting to compare/contrast that album with a recording of last night.
My lifelong Stones fans like to moan with me in our text chains about the “paint by numbers” set lists on these stadium jaunts, making us question—and even sit out—going to a show with a musty collection of songs for the price of a home mortgage. Tonight’s setlist was a perfect mix of surprises and stalwarts that made it worth every penny!
I ran through this very parking lot 30 years ago in a panic that the Voodoo Lounge tour would be the last time they’d be coming around, and last night I wore the same shirt I scored in the parking lot that night wondering how I could make the Philadelphia show work in my calendar. The Stones roll on, and so do I. Onto show 41!
