Review by Val Tapia
Photos courtesy of State Farm Stadium
It’s not often I get to review a band that has lasted for 60 years in popular music. There have been plenty of artists (and trends) that have come and gone since the 1960s. Yet the Rolling Stones have survived them all… with various incarnations of course.
Yes, it’s pretty crazy to think that in May 1964 they released their debut album (called England’s Newest Hit Makers) in the U.S. They also released a new studio album in October 2023 (their 26th overall, again, in the U.S.) called Hackney Diamonds, their first record of all-original material since 2005’s A Bigger Bang.
Sadly, original drummer Charlie Watts passed away in August 2021. However, his playing is appropriately represented on two songs from the new album– Mess It Up and Live By The Sword (recorded in 2019), respectively.
For all intents and purposes, they’ve continued on as a trio–rightly or wrongly– that consists of vocalist Mick Jagger, lead guitarist Keith Richards, and longtime rhythm guitarist (since 1975), Ron Wood.
I’ll concede that it looks a little odd seeing the Stones publicly being presented as a trio. However, there’s no doubt that the surviving members of the band remain rock royalty in 2024.
That observation was pretty much on full display during their two-hour, 18-song set at State Farm Stadium on Tues. May 7. Kicking things off with one of the best concert openers ever, Start Me Up, the audience of (roughly) 46,000 strong were on their feet for virtually the entire set. To be clear, that’s just my estimate of attendees. It’s not an official number.
While it wasn’t a complete sellout, when it comes to attendance, the Rolling Stones do not owe any other act currently on tour any explanation regarding turnout. In short order, they’re still a stadium band— period.
Next up was It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll, followed by She’s So Cold. Jagger still commands the stage with his trademark swagger, and despite a few forgotten lyrics here and there, his voice was pretty strong overall. A little reckless abandon (musically or vocally) never hurt anybody, particularly the Stones. That’s always been part of their appeal as a live band.
The set also featured three new songs from the aforementioned Hackney Diamonds. First up was Angry, which went over fairly well with a crowd that was mostly there to hear “the hits”. That said, I applaud the band for releasing new music, especially considering it’s too easy to merely rehash the past at this point in their career. Kudos to them for still wanting to create for art’s sake.
Of course, it was great seeing them add Beast Of Burden to the set, a song I’ve never seen them play live until this tour. It really is essential Stones. Hell, maybe even quintessential Stones now that I think about it.
A cool thing about a Stones show is their willingness to throw in an obscure song here and there. This tour is no exception, and surprisingly, Monkey Man was the song that won the “fan vote”— by applause. Jagger pointed to the screen at center stage and said that we had a choice between their take of Bob Dylan’s Like a Rolling Stone— or their own No Expectations, Emotional Rescue, and Monkey Man. The latter won, which I was surprised by I must admit.
Another newbie, Mess It Up, was followed up by two concert staples: Tumbling Dice and You Can’t Always Get What You Want, respectively.
As far as visuals, while there were some cool video graphics, the music does most of the talking when it comes to a Rolling Stones live show—rightly so I might add. However, historically speaking, it could be argued that the band’s 1989 Steel Wheels tour was the pinnacle of the Rolling Stones as a live act— both musically and visually. Yes, I know that’s subjective— but still.
Back onstage in Glendale, Jagger introduced all the additional (and exceptional) musicians onstage before turning the microphone over to his “Glimmer Twin”, the one and only Keith Richards for the Tattoo You cut “She’s My Little Rock & Roll” (note: it’s really called Little T&A). That’s okay though…we’re talking about Keith Richards here. Nonetheless, he received a standing ovation from the happy crowd.
It should be said that I have one main criticism of the show. While I understand that Miss You “has” to be played, I think a 10-minute version is frankly, unnecessary. In that time, they could’ve added one more song like Ruby Tuesday, The Last Time, or Bitch to name a few off the top of my head.
The showstopper in the set, in this writer’s humble opinion, was Gimme Shelter. With incredible backing vocals by Chanel Haynes, she indeed gave Jagger a run for the money and ultimately brought the house down. I’m sure that Merry Clayton, who originally sang the backing vocal on the original version of the 1969 classic, is cheering her on as well.
There’s no doubt that the musicians accompanying the Stones have enhanced the band’s overall sound on this tour. Longtime touring bassist Darryl Jones and new drummer Steve Jordan respect the band’s catalog while simultaneously putting their own stamp on it.
In short, hopefully this won’t be the last time we see the Stones onstage. See what I did there. Four out of five stars.
Rolling Stones set list in Glendale
Start Me Up
It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll
She’s So Cold
Angry*
Beast Of Burden
Monkey Man
Mess It Up*
Tumbling Dice
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Little T&A
Sympathy For The Devil
Honkey Tonk Women
Miss You
Gimme Shelter
Paint It Black
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Encore:
Sweet Sounds Of Heaven*
Satisfaction
*New songs from Hackney Diamonds
