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Wembley, London June 12

Day 15: Saturday June 12 - Wembley-2

Review by Paul Bakewell

Although a 'diedhard' fan (aged 44) I have to admit I was somewhat reticent about going to this gig. Having seen the Stones at their peak at Earls Court & Knebworth (where Lynyrd Skynyrd blew them off stage) & been disappointed at their lack of passion, piss-poor sound & turning up 2 hours late (don't think they'd get away with that today!). The thought of paying £30 also put me off, but I ended up 'blagging' my way in so the fact that this ended up being a great show was made even better.

I still can't understand how the 'ripoff' merchants get away with charging extortionate 'promotional crap' like tee-shirts etc that are 'out-of'date' the next day - 'suckas' spring to mind.

Highlights - a great rendition of 'Gimme Shelter - the coloured backing singer (Lisa?) was brilliant & fully deserved the ovation, Saint of Me, Route 66 etc. At last they got the sound right & the finale was spectacular. Having seen some of today's so-called' top bands (eg Verve at V98 etc), I can't help but smile when I see the younger kids enjoying these 'old farts' - the new bands just don't know how to perform and entertain (not sour grapes, honest !). I'd been worried that lack of chart success & some mediocre output (except maybe Stripped & Bridges) Truly, stilll, the greatest rock'n roll band in the world!!! I was pleased to be proved wrong !

Changes from last night at Wembley: Bitch, Angie and Thief In The Night.

Day 16: Going to Santiago, Spain

Up at 8am, flying all day through Frankfurt, Madrid (heavy thunders almost took my plane!) and finally arriving at the small and nice little airport in Santiago de Compostela, north west in Spain at around 11pm. Driving could be just a fast... Well, hot and great weather!

Day 17: Pilgrims and beers

Day off. I realize I made it to town before the Stones, as they had not arrived to their hotel yet. Checking out the city, what a beautiful cultural place, unique cathedral, and excellent beer in the hot weather. In the evening my friend Gary tells me he flew in with Mick Jagger directly from Heathrow this evening, with Iberia. Lucky guy! The stage is up, a beautiful amphi theatre.

Previous page Next page First page IORR home It's Only Rock'n Roll no. 37 - August 1999 - © The Rolling Stones Fan Club Of Europe