In celebration of their recent tour announcement (and in celebration of me getting tickets to said tour, not to brag), what better way to anticipate such an event than by looking back at the Stones’ best live moments. With some questionable but enthusiastic dancing by Jagger, accompanied by the unmistakeable talent of the rest of the band, a live performance by the Stones is hardly going to ever disappoint, proven by these three iconic shows.
Hyde Park, July 5th 1969
Only two days after the tragic death of former band member Brian Jones, the pressure was on the Stones to still put on a good show for the thousands who had attended just for them, without letting their grief get to them. Of course, this set was far from perfect, with Mick’s vocals being criticised, as well as speculation that the guitars were out of tune. Though this may not come to mind as the gig that showcased their talent the best, I personally think that to even show up that day and put on a decent enough show after such an awful shock, shows the perseverance of the band, and proves them to be very dedicated to their fans, and of course to their music. It goes down as one of the greatest because it was the first time fans could hear Mick Taylor with the rest of the band, and the set list was very unique compared to any of their previous shows, with lots of additions that had never been heard live before.
Sticky Fingers - Live, 1st July 2015
Much later in the band’s career, they treated fans to an iconic show, marking the first time album Sticky Fingers had ever been played in its entirety. With the norm of the band’s set list being mostly a mix of songs from various albums, this was a milestone event that brought the sound of the record to life, in a one-off show. The band, currently then formed of Jagger, Watts, Richards and Wood, were accompanied for one night only by a unique backing band. This consisted of American musicians Lisa Fischer, Darryl Jones and Bernard Fowler, who had backed the Stones many times previously, as well as Chuck Leavell of the Allman Brothers Band. This was a unique and special night that will most likely never reoccur.
Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, 18th February 2006
Though the Stones might often be remembered for their crazy, over the top rock n roll shows earlier in their career, this was a prime example of how age certainly didn’t make this band lose their touch. With anywhere between one and two million people estimated to have showed up for this free concert as part of their ‘A Bigger Bang’ tour, this was a show beyond all epic proportions. Playing all the fan favourites, and an incredible extended version of ‘Midnight Rambler’, as well as some unusual picks such as ‘Rain Fall Down’ and ‘This Place is Empty’ with Kieth on lead vocals, it was a slice of perfection. This has to go down in history as one of the peaks of the band’s career, showing that some crowds are only suitable for the best, and the Stones certainly proved themselves to be one of the best on this day.
I am SO excited to see this band in June, and reminiscing about some of their most epic live moments have only made me more excited. Being strong recording artists is one thing, but to put on great shows is a whole other task. These examples prove that the Stones are more than capable of this task, right from the start of their career to present day; a fact that means they deserve endless recognition and praise.
H x
Hyde Park, July 5th 1969
Only two days after the tragic death of former band member Brian Jones, the pressure was on the Stones to still put on a good show for the thousands who had attended just for them, without letting their grief get to them. Of course, this set was far from perfect, with Mick’s vocals being criticised, as well as speculation that the guitars were out of tune. Though this may not come to mind as the gig that showcased their talent the best, I personally think that to even show up that day and put on a decent enough show after such an awful shock, shows the perseverance of the band, and proves them to be very dedicated to their fans, and of course to their music. It goes down as one of the greatest because it was the first time fans could hear Mick Taylor with the rest of the band, and the set list was very unique compared to any of their previous shows, with lots of additions that had never been heard live before.
Sticky Fingers - Live, 1st July 2015
Much later in the band’s career, they treated fans to an iconic show, marking the first time album Sticky Fingers had ever been played in its entirety. With the norm of the band’s set list being mostly a mix of songs from various albums, this was a milestone event that brought the sound of the record to life, in a one-off show. The band, currently then formed of Jagger, Watts, Richards and Wood, were accompanied for one night only by a unique backing band. This consisted of American musicians Lisa Fischer, Darryl Jones and Bernard Fowler, who had backed the Stones many times previously, as well as Chuck Leavell of the Allman Brothers Band. This was a unique and special night that will most likely never reoccur.
Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, 18th February 2006
Though the Stones might often be remembered for their crazy, over the top rock n roll shows earlier in their career, this was a prime example of how age certainly didn’t make this band lose their touch. With anywhere between one and two million people estimated to have showed up for this free concert as part of their ‘A Bigger Bang’ tour, this was a show beyond all epic proportions. Playing all the fan favourites, and an incredible extended version of ‘Midnight Rambler’, as well as some unusual picks such as ‘Rain Fall Down’ and ‘This Place is Empty’ with Kieth on lead vocals, it was a slice of perfection. This has to go down in history as one of the peaks of the band’s career, showing that some crowds are only suitable for the best, and the Stones certainly proved themselves to be one of the best on this day.
I am SO excited to see this band in June, and reminiscing about some of their most epic live moments have only made me more excited. Being strong recording artists is one thing, but to put on great shows is a whole other task. These examples prove that the Stones are more than capable of this task, right from the start of their career to present day; a fact that means they deserve endless recognition and praise.
H x
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