Rolling Stones in Concert

Now billed as "the greatest rock and roll band ever", my love of this group dates back to seeing the Rolling Stones on the Ed Sullivan Show. Keith Richards had the cutest, most innocent-looking face (you read that right). And, I remember thinking that Mick Jagger had the biggest lips on a white guy I had ever seen. Mick Jagger's moves and facial expressions were simply mesmerizing. I was determined to see this group in concert. What is a Rolling Stones concert like, you ask? It is unlike any rock concert you will ever see.

My first Rolling Stones concert was during 1973 with their 'Goat's Head Soup' album release. (They had albums back then.) There were no big screens in the basketball arena, but Jagger's performance made up for it. Plus, the stage props were bigger than life. I was in a Bob Euecker seat (the faraway rafters), but who cared?! I still saw Mick Jagger swing on a rope across the audience floor. I still saw Jagger straddle a huge phallic symbol balloon. This balloon (the best I can describe it) stemmed from the stage to cover over one-half the floor. He sure was having fun with it! The audience was loving every moment of it.

Keith Richards was in his standard ripped t-shirt and torn jeans. True to form, the entire concert saw a cigarette dangling from his lips. Mick Jagger was wearing a tank top with loose fitting pants with ribbons tying it around his ankles. He needed the loose fitting pants for the high jumps he would make during the Rolling Stones concert. The other band members were wearing t-shirts and were nondescript. Bill Wyman was on bass with the band then. Mick Taylor replaced Brian Jones on guitar. Of course, Charlie Watts was on drums. Good old Charlie.

"Honky Tonk Woman", "Midnight Rambler", and "Gimme Shelter" were all simply superb. During this Rolling Stones concert, the band did "Fingertips" as an encore. Mick Jagger played it to a tee. There is something about hearing Mick Jagger whisper into a microphone that sends my heart a-flutter.

Even back then, the Rolling Stones had a great stage performance and set-up. The entire concert was a sensual experience. One uses their sight, hearing, and voice. The acoustics were good for an auditorium.

Forward a few years to Voodoo Lounge. "Sympathy for the Devil" starts with Mick Jagger's voice coming out of nowhere. He was nowhere to be found. He was not on the stage. Suddenly, a spotlight is on Jagger. Turns out that he is atop an 8-story high elevator shaft. He starts prancing down the walkway towards to stage. Talk about theatrics! The acoustics were excellent, the lighting was colorful and entertaining, and the stage has a large screen as a backdrop. It was top notch all the way. That is a Rolling Stones concert.

Forward again to Bridges to Babylon. Here, the Rolling Stones have some venues set up with a walkway connecting the main stage to a smaller stage (hence the "bridge"). Once on the smaller stage, the audience is treated to oldies but goodies such as "19th Nervous Breakdown", "Mother's Little Helper", and even "Like a Rolling Stone". During this segment, someone throws their panties onto the stage at Mick Jagger. He grabs them and stuffs then into his pocket while stating, "I'll wear those later." The crowd loved it! That is a Rolling Stones concert.

"Honky Tonk Woman" is always a part of the Rolling Stones concert repertoire. The same goes for "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Satisfaction". In fact, recently, the Rolling Stones have opened their concert with "Satisfaction". The audience is introduced to the Rolling Stones by hearing the opening chord by Keith Richards. It is bomb.

Having recently seen the Rolling Stones during their concert tour, I can safely say they are still the best at what they do. The ticket costs are high, but aren't they anywhere? The Rolling Stones definitely give their fans a show worth paying for. Everything is simply well synchronized and very professionally done. From the stage set-up to the individual players, everything is perfect.

Mick Jagger may not jump around as much as he used to - but he still knows how to work a crowd. Keith Richards may look like death warmed over - but he still plays a mean axe. The "Glimmer Twins" and their band need to be proud of themselves for providing decades of hard-core rock and roll. And, let's not forget Charlie Watts. Without his steadfast beat and calming personality - I often wonder if the Rolling Stones would even exist today.

Rock on Stones! Or, if you are a rock and roll fan, you need to experience a Rolling Stones concert event at least once. You just have to.