Review of:

“The Rolling Stones”

At: Twickenham Stadium, London

On: Sunday 20/08/06

By: Gaby

It’s not often that one could say you have been in the presence of “living legends”, but such is the case when you go and see “The Rolling Stones” in concert.

For a band that have been around since before I was born – and that is over 40 years now,  their music is still as vibrant and fresh as ever.

Rather than just rolling back the years in a sea of nostalgia what we were offered this particular evening at Twickenham was a whole host of new songs from their recent and wonderful “Bigger Bang” album as well as a bucket load of re-worked classics such as “Sympathy for the Devil”, “Honky Tonk Woman”, “Satisfaction” etc...

Their performances were simply staggering as was their raw energy considering their respective ages. Mick Jagger hardly stood still for a moment running and dancing his way across their huge stage for practically a full 2 and a half hour set whilst engaging the audience like a circus ringmaster and making every one of the 82000 sell-out capacity audience feel as if they were being spoken to individually.

There was absolutely nothing shabby or lacking in this fantastic gig. The sound was perfect making sure that you never missed a single lyric, beat, note or tone whilst not being drowned out in a sea of bass as is often the case with big outdoor gigs.

Lighting was amazing with some truly awesome and breathtaking firework and shooting flames displays and their characteristic inflatable lips and moving stage were in evidence a plenty in what can only be described as one of the most amazing gigs I have ever been to and long worth the wait and the money.

Although the eldest of the four band members and still recovering from a cancer scare earlier in the year, Charlie Watts; sitting on a small drum riser with his now familiar see-through perspex screens either side of him (to help save his hearing), delivered a powerful percussion set in his usual under-stated and casual way, whilst both Keith Richards and “new boy” Ronnie Wood skilfully wove their way on guitar (both continually swapping between rhythm and lead) though one song after the other in obvious effortless glee, occasionally sharing a laugh with one another whilst truly enjoying themselves and the occasion. (Sir) Mick Jagger still delivered one hell of a set of fine vocal performances throughout the evening having only just recovered from a throat infection and demonstrated the very definition of the words talent, sheer professionalism and stage presence through every single song.

Having influenced many bands over the equally many years they have been together, this then was a band that could seriously teach a few of the new young guns a lesson or two on how to put on a gig and deliver a professional and powerful performance.

What was seriously scary and surprising at times was seeing the aged haggard facial features of the band’s members (who most certainly have lived a life or two) atop some seriously toned and slender bodies. I seriously think that guys half their age could not be in any better shape. By the looks of it, these were certainly not a bunch of guys wanting to call it a day – just yet anyway!

So how would I classify the music of the Rolling Stones? Well to be absolutely honest – you can’t. Yes it’s blues, yes It’s rock, it’s also kind of funky with a bit of jazz and folk thrown in to boot. But simply put – you just can’t classify their music. It’s special and it’s unique and it transcends musical boundaries appealing to a whole cross section of people. In effect it’s what makes The Rolling Stones, The Rolling Stones!

Overall I would say that this was a gig of staggering brilliance! Was it worth the time, trouble and huge financial expense. You better believe it!!! This was an experience of a lifetime and one that I will never forget!

If you do one thing in your life – go and see The Rolling Stones live! (Whilst you still can.) You won’t regret it!