The Rolling Stones!!
The Worlds Greatest Rock and Roll Band!!
Few bands have defined rock and roll like the Rolling Stones. Known for their non-stop energy, iconic riffs, and rebellious spirit, the Stones have been a cornerstone of the music industry for over six decades.
When friends invited my wife and I to go see them at Mile High Stadium in Denver (I know that's not the right name), we quickly accepted. It would be my fourth time getting to see “The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Band” and I was wildly curious to see how three 80-year-olds were going put on a stadium rock and roll show.
I am thrilled to report that their passion and ability to give an amazing live performance remains as fierce as ever. It was a celebration of both their legendary past and their relevance still today in the world of music. They rocked and it was awesome!
Before diving into some of the details of the concert, it’s important to appreciate the legacy the Rolling Stones carry. The band has produced some of the most iconic hits in rock history, including "Satisfaction," "Jumpin’ Jack Flash," "Sympathy for the Devil,” "Gimme Shelter,” and one of the greatest concert anthems of all time, “Start Me Up.”
The Rolling Stones were formed in 1962. Mick Jagger took a minute during the show to tell us that their first show in Denver was in 1965, a few months before I was born. Wow!!
Their music has transcended generations, influencing countless artists and continuously attracting new fans. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts (who passed away in 2021), and Ronnie Wood are synonymous with rock and rol.
The show was a testament to the band’s resilience and ability to adapt. Despite the challenges of aging and the loss of Watts, their long-time drummer, the Stones rocked!
Buoyed by a tight rhythm section, rich keyboards, powerful horns and strong back-up vocals, the sound was full and hard-charging keeping the crowd on their feet the entire time.
One of the hallmarks of a Rolling Stones tour is their spectacular stage production. This concert raised the bar. Known for their imaginative stage sets, the Stones have always ensured that their live shows are innovative, and visually as well as musically captivating. The state-of-the-art lighting, and stunning visuals perfectly complemented the band’s electrifying performance.
(Here is a 20-second video from the concert)
The Rolling Stones have always been more than just a band; they are a cultural phenomenon. Their influence extends beyond music into fashion, film, and even politics. Make a gangster movie that doesn't include at least one Stones song. Or when you hear “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” if your mind doesn’t immediately think of ‘The Big Chill!’
This show was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of a band that has defined rock and roll for generations. It was a chance to witness living legends in action, to hear the songs that have been the soundtrack to our lives, and to experience the energy and passion that have kept the Rolling Stones at the forefront of music for over sixty years.
(Thank you Dan and Suzanne!! We had a blast!!)
I saw them in 1989 with Guns and Roses at the LA Coliseum and in 1999 during a heavy rainstorm at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego This show topped both of them! It was a two-hour, 50,000 person singalong!
As a longtime fan, I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to see them again. I hope it’s not the last time! Let’s do this again in ten years!
The Stones reminded me that while times change, their spirit of rock and roll remains timeless. Awesome!
Take a listen to my ultimate Rolling Stones concert set list on Spotify Tune it in, turn it up, and rip the knobs off it!!