It's Only Rock'n Roll
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It's Only Rock'n Roll |
Show start : 9:00 pm Show end : 11:10 pm
But next was something even better. "It Won't Take Long" was up for bids for the second time ever, and the crowd just loved it. Knowing this is a brand new song I was really impressed how well it went. And when Ronnie took center stage and did a great everlasting solo on his guitar, then I was in Stones heaven.
Yes it could get even better. Mick said they would do an old song. A very old song. One of the first they made ever. He commented that Keith had got a stool. And there he was, Keith, right in front of Charlie, on a stool, with his 12-string acoustic. And all by himself he made the opening of "As Tears Go By". Fantastic sound still in the venue. Keith was tuned to maximum and he played it perfect. Then Mick is on: "It is the evening of the day...". I can feel my hair is rising. Unreal. And you can hear I am not the only one. The entire venue is making a big big roar as the song is developing. Then Charlie is on, and then the rest of the band. As we all are nailed to the floor listening to Mick and his voice, almost like his 60's voice, I realize this is another Stones heaven.
So I had it all. Three fantastic songs in a row. An almost full moon in a clear and cold night. Keith with a fantastic strong voice I have hardly heard before doing "Slipping Away". Then another great "Jumping Jack Flash". This set list is getting better and better. And thanks to the great San Diego crowd, they will continue playing "As Tears Go By" during every show, because it got such a great reaction.
This was the initial address to the audience from Keith before he broke into his two token songs on Friday night in San Diego. I always enjoy listening to Keith because of his sense of humor and cleverness. He never lets us down.
Observations of mine that stood out for this concert are:
Mick and Keith once again ruled the night. Mick was in full gear with endless energy. What I loved seeing this time was his spinning in full circles as if he was recreating his ode to James Brown from the early days.
Speaking of the early days, we were treated with gems like As Tears Go By and Get Off Of My Cloud. I am thrilled that they touch on that shinning era of their musical career.
Keith was on fire as well. He entertained us immensely with his constant body expression that is fueled by his unique guitar playing. I noticed it was he that most acknowledged the fans in the Onstage section. He made it a point to let them know that he was well aware of their presence.
Another trademark of the Rolling Stones music is the ancient art of weaving that Keith and Ronnie perfect so well. As always they were working it to the hilt. Where else can you find two great guitar players creating this kind of art? They are simply the tops at it .
Another cool treat for the eye, was how often Mick, Keith and Ronnie changed their attire during the show. It seemed that they switched out their jackets as often as their guitars. They put on some very well fitted and colorful threads that are only meant for royalty.
Being from out of town, I was thrilled to see the electricity that was spread all over the downtown area of San Diego. Knowing the Rolling Stones were in town was all it took for the locals to throw parties galore. The section which is called the Gaslight District was particularly ablaze. As I was walking down the street toward the stadium I could hear Stones music blasting form corner pubs. There were even scantily clad female dancers, rocking out to the blaring sounds of the Stones on rooftops. That was entertaining to many by passers until the men in blue put an end to it. For the next show I’m in the Onstage section for a once in a lifetime experience at the San Francisco show. Life is good when the Rolling Stones are here.
The show was Fantastic! I’m 50 years old and it was the best concert I’ve ever attended. Stones were never better. It’s hard to believe Mick is still moving across the stage as he did in his 20’s!
It’s now more than 2 weeks after the concert and I’m still hoarse from yelling & singing along!!!
Please send your show reviews and comments to:
iorr@arena.no.
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Thanks!
Thanks to
Harold Colson
for great B-stage photos!
Thanks to
Bernd M
and
Philip Bajo
for news links!
It's Only Rock'n Roll 1980 - 2005