[blogs.ajc.com]

Q. You spent some time with the Rolling Stones recently…

A. We had our first rehearsal in May. It was the first time we’d been in the same room together in five years. It was just fantastic. I cannot say enough about it. It was just the core band – six of us – and the exercise was basically, we haven’t done this in awhile so let’s see if we still remember. Mick [Jagger] had called me and said, listen, how about putting together a list of 20 or 30 songs that would be good for us to do.

Q. For what reason, exactly?

A. Well, you know, I think mainly to test the waters and see how everybody was, the health of everyone. And the answer is, everyone was healthy, happy, energetic.

Q. So what is the status of a tour?

A. They have not made any announcements, so there’s no official news to report. They [rumored Brooklyn dates] will remain rumors until the band confirms, but we recently had sessions in Paris and worked on two great songs. One, Keith [Richards] brought in called ‘One More Shot.” It’s really cool, great guitar riff. And Mick has one called ‘Doom and Gloom.’ The song sounds a lot different than the title. The theme is that he’s talking to a girl saying all I hear from you is doom and gloom – let’s go party, let’s go dance. It’s an up-tempo tune. They’ll be on the 50th anniversary set coming in November.

Q. Do you think they’re thinking of doing a full tour or just a couple of major market shows?

A. As far as what’s left of this year, I can’t see that it would be very much. But I do think the possibility exists that the band would want to tour again, so I think the answer is yes. Having spent time in rehearsal and the studio recently, there’s nothing but smiles and backslaps and hugs going down. It reminds you of how passionate we all are about doing this and how much you miss it when it’s gone.

And 50 years? It’s such an incredible landmark, isn’t it? I’ve seen Keith talk about how long can the band stay together and basically his answer is that we’re in uncharted waters now. You’ve seen what the blues and jazz guys can do, but rock ‘n’ roll only came around in the ‘50s, so there is no precedent. We are the precedent! All we know is that as long as the band can write good songs and perform them well…and right now, is everyone’s health there? Absolutely.





Q. Even Keith? There had been talk that he might not have the dexterity to do another full tour.



A. Based on the recent experience I’ve seen, I would say Keith would have no problem [going on tour]. I’m waiting for the call. I’m on standby and will remain so.

sounds good....

Sounds great!

they are planning on putting a few cherries on the sundae.

Thanks for the post Cocaine Eyes!

Between the lines;

"Keith would have no problem"

and;

"As far as what’s left of this year, I can’t see that it would be very much. But I do think the possibility exists that the band would want to tour again, so I think the answer is yes. Having spent time in rehearsal and the studio recently, there’s nothing but smiles and backslaps and hugs going down. It reminds you of how passionate we all are about doing this and how much you miss it when it’s gone."

It's clear that they still want to do something but it remains not clear what exactly they are going to do.
"the possibility exists" does not refer to a 2013 and 2014 tour like they used to do...
And doing two new songs and play another 20 of 30 is not just what you need to prepare for playing 4 serious 25 million dollar shows.
With Keith's arthritis they certainly need 5 or 6 weeks rehearsals; 4 shows or 40.
I don't expect serious rehearsals this year and that means no concerts this year. But sometimes they do unexpected things

What's your opinion Cocaine Eyes?

Quote

It was just the core band – six of us

I'm saying nothing.

Quote
Dreamer
Thanks for the post Cocaine Eyes!

Between the lines;

"Keith would have no problem"

and;

"As far as what’s left of this year, I can’t see that it would be very much. But I do think the possibility exists that the band would want to tour again, so I think the answer is yes. Having spent time in rehearsal and the studio recently, there’s nothing but smiles and backslaps and hugs going down. It reminds you of how passionate we all are about doing this and how much you miss it when it’s gone."

It's clear that they still want to do something but it remains not clear what exactly they are going to do.
"the possibility exists" does not refer to a 2013 and 2014 tour like they used to do...
And doing two new songs and play another 20 of 30 is not just what you need to prepare for playing 4 serious 25 million dollar shows.
With Keith's arthritis they certainly need 5 or 6 weeks rehearsals; 4 shows or 40.
I don't expect serious rehearsals this year and that means no concerts this year. But sometimes they do unexpected things

What's your opinion Cocaine Eyes?

He was asked about touring.

However, this time the Stones are better than ever not to reveal their cards...

Quote
DandelionPowderman

Quote
Dreamer
Thanks for the post Cocaine Eyes!

Between the lines;

"Keith would have no problem"

and;

"As far as what’s left of this year, I can’t see that it would be very much. But I do think the possibility exists that the band would want to tour again, so I think the answer is yes. Having spent time in rehearsal and the studio recently, there’s nothing but smiles and backslaps and hugs going down. It reminds you of how passionate we all are about doing this and how much you miss it when it’s gone."

It's clear that they still want to do something but it remains not clear what exactly they are going to do.
"the possibility exists" does not refer to a 2013 and 2014 tour like they used to do...
And doing two new songs and play another 20 of 30 is not just what you need to prepare for playing 4 serious 25 million dollar shows.
With Keith's arthritis they certainly need 5 or 6 weeks rehearsals; 4 shows or 40.
I don't expect serious rehearsals this year and that means no concerts this year. But sometimes they do unexpected things

What's your opinion Cocaine Eyes?

He was asked about touring.

However, this time the Stones are better than ever not to reveal their cards...

Yes, and he wasn't asked specifically about 'touring' 25 shows (the step by step tour starting with 6 shows in London etc) of touring in 2013 and 2014 like they used to.
So he's not giving a specific answer...

Quote
GravityBoy

Quote

It was just the core band – six of us

I'm saying nothing.

Yes. Brenda will not be amused.

What's MY opinion? Well, it's what it has been for 50 years - the Stones will not let the fans down whilst doing what's best for themselves/their families/their well-being. I know.....that's vague. But at this moment, the STONES are choosing to keep it vague so there's not much "breaking news" to post about! (Sorry, couldn't resist that one!)

I THINK (I don't KNOW!) they'll do *some* shows before the end of 2012. Not many, perhaps 2 - 4? (I'd say more like 2.) Then, they'll kick into a higher gear in 2013.

What kinds of shows do I THINK they'll do? Arena shows and surprise gigs at very small venues (like Palais Royale, etc.)

And about Chuck Leavell saying he's part of the "core band" - to be fair, Chuck was CHOSEN by Jagger way back in 1981. I mean.....when someone is CHOSEN by Jagger (or by Keith), that speaks volumes. It IS a bit presumptuous to say he's part of the "core band" but he was called to those rehearsals/meetings/whatever they were so I assume he feels he's a necessary part of the Stones now. He's a very nice guy, so I'm not going to nit-pick about his choice of words.

The Stones will have their own 'breaking news' when they've got everything nailed down.

Quote
GravityBoy

Quote

It was just the core band – six of us

I'm saying nothing.

I'm sure he's talking about Bobby Keys....just not sure why he said 'us'.

Chuck, you're such a kidder...

Those slaps on the back represent $10 million each. Of course they're slapping each other on the back. A LOT.

Quote
Dreamer

Quote
DandelionPowderman

Quote
Dreamer
Thanks for the post Cocaine Eyes!

Between the lines;

"Keith would have no problem"

and;

"As far as what’s left of this year, I can’t see that it would be very much. But I do think the possibility exists that the band would want to tour again, so I think the answer is yes. Having spent time in rehearsal and the studio recently, there’s nothing but smiles and backslaps and hugs going down. It reminds you of how passionate we all are about doing this and how much you miss it when it’s gone."

It's clear that they still want to do something but it remains not clear what exactly they are going to do.
"the possibility exists" does not refer to a 2013 and 2014 tour like they used to do...
And doing two new songs and play another 20 of 30 is not just what you need to prepare for playing 4 serious 25 million dollar shows.
With Keith's arthritis they certainly need 5 or 6 weeks rehearsals; 4 shows or 40.
I don't expect serious rehearsals this year and that means no concerts this year. But sometimes they do unexpected things

What's your opinion Cocaine Eyes?

He was asked about touring.

However, this time the Stones are better than ever not to reveal their cards...

Yes, and he wasn't asked specifically about 'touring' 25 shows (the step by step tour starting with 6 shows in London etc) of touring in 2013 and 2014 like they used to.
So he's not giving a specific answer...

No, he didn't. The last time he gave a "specific answer" he was boycotted for the B2B studio sessions. He's not a member of the band, and he's in no position to announce anything - of course he knows that

good news about Keith but, I mean, what else would he say?

Quote
Munichhilton

Quote
GravityBoy

Quote

It was just the core band – six of us

I'm saying nothing.

I'm sure he's talking about Bobby Keys....just not sure why he said 'us'.

Chuck, you're such a kidder...

Yeah, a saxophone is so much more integral than a bass.

.... maybe it was only Keef and that bunch of guys called Mick....



ROCKMAN

Quote
GravityBoy

Quote

It was just the core band – six of us

I'm saying nothing.

The fact that Mick is calling him to draw up a list of 30 songs for the Stones to play would suggest that - like it or not - he's seen as more important to the functional ability of the 'core band' than almost everyone else.

Quote
Gazza

Quote
GravityBoy

Quote

It was just the core band – six of us

I'm saying nothing.

The fact that Mick is calling him to draw up a list of 30 songs for the Stones to play would suggest that - like it or not - he's seen as more important to the functional ability of the 'core band' than almost everyone else.

As much as we hate to hear that, it's probably true.

Luckily, he's not in a position to announce a tour yet...

>"It was just the core band – six of us"

All he's saying is that it wasn't the full tour line-up.
No horn section and no backing vocalists.

Quote
Cocaine Eyes
[blogs.ajc.com]


Q. So what is the status of a tour?

A. They have not made any announcements, so there’s no official news to report. They [rumored Brooklyn dates] will remain rumors until the band confirms, but we recently had sessions in Paris and worked on two great songs. One, Keith [Richards] brought in called ‘One More Shot.” It’s really cool, great guitar riff. And Mick has one called ‘Doom and Gloom.’ The song sounds a lot different than the title. The theme is that he’s talking to a girl saying all I hear from you is doom and gloom – let’s go party, let’s go dance. It’s an up-tempo tune. They’ll be on the 50th anniversary set coming in November.
[/b]

I was wondering if "One Last Shot" was composed by Keef during last sessions with Steve Jordan...

Quote
Gazza

Quote
GravityBoy

Quote

It was just the core band – six of us

I'm saying nothing.

The fact that Mick is calling him to draw up a list of 30 songs for the Stones to play would suggest that - like it or not - he's seen as more important to the functional ability of the 'core band' than almost everyone else.

Definitely agree. Officially there are 4 members but behind the scenes there are these 6 members. I wonder what 30 songs he drew up (I think we can all guess 10 of them)?

And probably the reason they only booked time to record 2 songs (although maybe that's all they had), was in case things did not click, they did not want to waste money on studio time and maybe having people cancel other commitments to come to Paris for an extended time.

But I think what Chuck said is pretty such what everyone was thinking...

Quote
SecondSet

Quote
Munichhilton

Quote
GravityBoy

Quote

It was just the core band – six of us

I'm saying nothing.

I'm sure he's talking about Bobby Keys....just not sure why he said 'us'.

Chuck, you're such a kidder...

Yeah, a saxophone is so much more integral than a bass.

Stand back everybody...we have another new bass player on IORR.
Welcome!

in a big part of this interview he talks about health issues.
it is clear that there is or there has been something worrying that we don't totally know. that's why i don't think there will be a long tour

Get the announcement now
its killing me
jeroen

Good stuff. About as much info as we can except to receive.

I would have liked the interviewer to have asked more about the songs played!

Chuck is the man. Mick comes to him to get things together musically.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-09-14 19:40 by More Hot Rocks.

Lots of questions answered there, sweet! SIX PIECE band? OK , 4 plus Chuck and Darryl, Bobby, like Mick Taylor and maybe Bill, look to be embellishments at this point.

One Last Shot, hmmm....Keith get's right to the point doesn't he? peace



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-09-14 19:09 by Naturalust.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012-09-14 19:09 by Naturalust.

I think for me the best quote was the "uncharted waters" as far as the longgevity of the band and particularly R&R.

I have said it before for the youngsters out there, those clips you see of Mick in the early years thinking they had a couple of years in front of them, this is pivitol to a way of life. R&R was evil in the late fifties and well into the hippie years, a fad, it had to die. I recall every band of the day being interviewed by reporters in pencil thin ties talking about the end of R&R and how long they thought the fad would last.

The Stones are the only ones to ride the wave far enogh into those uncharted waters, which for me has been a justification of my musical tastes and a big *&$% you to those reporters who poo pooed the "fad". I believe this to be the biggest contribution to R&R any band has made.

Agree with you Des...The Stones contribution to great rock and roll has been monumental.