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David Smyth's rating
, Stellar Stones prove time is on their side
By
David Smyth
22 Aug 2007
Exactly two years since they set off around the world for the umpteenth time, the Rolling Stones' latest tour is finally put to bed with three London shows this week. Yet for once, no one is speculating that these concerts, the band's first indoor gigs in London since 2003, will be their last.
Gallery: Rolling Stones at the O2
That's because this Bigger Bang tour has proved beyond doubt that it is not only age that shall fail to wither them, but also censorship in both China and America, laryngitis (Mick Jagger), rehab (Ronnie Wood) and a freak run-in with a Fijian coconut tree (Keith Richards). That they still seemed unstoppable when they took to the stage here was with good reason.
"Start me up, I'll never stop" was the first line sung by Jagger, who dominated the vast space with the same manic strut he has employed since the Sixties. His left hand was the busiest thing on the stage, constantly pointing, beckoning and sending away. Later he swapped his microphone for a hands-free headset and really let the gesticulations fly.
Both he and Wood sported clothes so tight they must have been borrowed from their daughters, only their sunken cheeks suggesting that their aged bodies might cave in on themselves at any moment.
Charlie Watts, in jeans and a white T-shirt, occupied the drum stool with quietly amused dignity, emphasising that this rock and roll lark is all too easy with the occasional effortless jazz fill.
Wood traded ragged guitar solos and affectionate embraces with Richards, who moved in slow motion and looked as if he hadn't slept in days, but still received the biggest cheer of the evening during the introductions.
With a watch on each wrist, shiny things dangling all over the place and recklessly smoking a cigarette, he even got away with the musical low point of the evening, his mangled solo vocals on You Got The Silver and Wanna Hold You, with a simple "I know I'm bad".
He may not get invited to any more cremations, but his appearances with this band are still adored.
Experts in what is expected of them, the group dealt with the promotion of the album after which the tour is named in just one song, the crass but lively Rough Justice. After that the classics came at speed, including Rocks Off, Tumbling Dice and the concluding Brown Sugar.
As with most sixtysomethings, they had a saggy middle - 1978's weary Beast Of Burden followed by rambling jam Can't You Hear Me Knocking - but spirited James Brown homage I'll Go Crazy picked up the pace again.
The most spectacular moment came during Respectable, when the centre of the stage moved slowly forwards like a launching ship and sailed to the back of the room, band and all.
A concluding barrage of hits including an epic Sympathy For The Devil, the fierce intensity of Paint It Black and a climactic Jumping Jack Flash, reinforced the reasons why thousands worldwide will never tire of seeing the Rolling Stones play live.
We'll now have to wait a few years for the opportunity to come around again, but undoubtedly it will come. Until next time.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (10)
This was the first time we have seen the Stones live and it exceeding all our expectations, they was absolutly fabulous , how does Mick keep going for over 2 hrs.
The highlight for us was when the stage rose up and come out to the middle of the arena whilst the band still played ,it was a fantastic show.
When the band appeared we all stood up and everyone in the arena remained on there feet for the whole performance dancing and singing to every number.
- Peter & Brenda Smith, Maidstone,Kent UK, 30/08/2007 13:23
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I can die a happy man. Totally awesome.
- Dave,, London, 27/08/2007 18:44
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The Rolling Stones are unique. Never there will be a rock and roll band that will be as good as the Stones. This is a fact. Please come to Amsterdam again.
- Tim, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 24/08/2007 08:06
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Apart from convicts many years ago to the golden land of Australia, The Rolling Stones are the best export England has ever had. These guys defy all rules. Not just of society, but music, and even science. How are they still alive? How can they deliver time and time and time again? How are they able to be the best live band in rock history? Maybe they did make a deal with the Devil. Well, they got a bargain! And so did the world.
- Craig, Melbourne, Australia, 23/08/2007 12:54
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Yes, it was a fantastic gig. But why did your reviewer forget to mention just about the highest point of the evening: Jagger's duet with Lisa Fisher? She was just fantastic and got as much applause as anyone.
- Celia Bright, Bedford, UK, 22/08/2007 22:30
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Truly honoured to see such genuine talent.
When these guys are no more, genuine music will cease.
- Peter Brauer, Crediton UK, 22/08/2007 18:54
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Simply amazing!
I saw them at Twickenham on this tour and thought that they were good then but last night's show was about 4 accomplished musicians who defied their ages.
The set was not just about churning out all their hits but had some absolutely great solos.
Until the next time!
- Gordon Goldie, Newcastle upon Tyne, 22/08/2007 17:25
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The Stones were simply outstanding last night. Rocks Off and Cant you hear me Knocking were sensational and they gave the best ever renditions of Honky Tonk Women, Tumbling Dice and Paint it Black ever! Roll on Forever!
- Dh, London UK, 22/08/2007 13:16
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The audience seemed to be in awe of an institution that might just as well portrayed a dancing bear. The atmosphere blurted out messianic vibes in praise of tax exiled gods and their private medical gurus, that would keep them jumping like Jack Flash. The jiggered Mick did a lot of walking in his tight skinny pants and much gesturing, but no strutting as we knew it. The acoustic was ATROCIOUS in this once majestic Dome. Had we lost touch with guitar streaming hard rock, a lot of bellowing and puerile stand offs like Ron Wood smoking on stage, because he could afford a £50 fine? Was it also the fact that Richards lost the plot - again? - Well, did he ever recover it? First his solos were so boring they made listening to non eventful Coldplay a refreshing pleasure; then his attempt at improvising on 'sympathy for the devil' was so devastatingly bad that it took dear old Ron to show him what chords he should be in! There were much hand raising, getting the stalls to rattle their jewelery, and even a Marianne look alike, picked up by selective camera pan, licking her fingers in a suggestive way, directing her virtual desire at Mick. The whole show however seemed to be directed at a collegiate audience, with much strident steel clashing and distorted shouting. This was the kind of concert where if you hadn't been there, you would not care. So respect to the 'bad boys' for lasting so long, pity they had to join the circus.
- Malaki, London, UK, 22/08/2007 12:47
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These old boys can still belt out a tune! It's a shame they have to do some of the 'new stuff' (anything less than 25 years old!), but last night's performance was simply awesome ...
- Paul, London, 22/08/2007 10:29
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