Rolling Stones’ quest for eternal youth continues at MetLife

By Jay Lustig
May 24, 2024



A lot has happened since The Rolling Stones last performed in New Jersey, in 2019. A pandemic. An insurrection. Too many iterations, throughout the world, of the “red-coal carpet” of war that Mick Jagger sings about in “Gimme Shelter.”

It almost feels like a different world. But when The Stones played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on May 23, in the first of their two shows there on their Hackney Diamonds Tour, we were reminded that some things, against all odds, can stay the same.

Slightly more than 60 years after the British band released their first United States single (the prophetically titled “Not Fade Away,” in March 1964), The Stones remain a rock ‘n’ roll force of nature like no other, even though The Hackney Diamonds Tour is sponsored — no joke — by AARP. (Co-founders Jagger and Keith Richards both turned 80 last year; Ron Wood, a band member since 1975, is 76.) Jagger is still a boundlessly energetic frontman, while Richards still seems as charmingly nonchalant as a human being can look while performing for 50,000 or so people.

Steve Jordan played drums, replacing Charlie Watts, who died in August 2021. He didn’t stray far from Watts’ template, playing with a subtle sense of swing and rarely adding the kind of showy fills that would draw much attention to himself. Also new since 2019: singer Chanelle Haynes, who sang the duet part on “Gimme Shelter” with stunning power. She really reminded me a young Tina Turner; I later learned that she played the title role in a London production of “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.”

The nearly two-hour show included three songs from the Stones’ solid 2023 album Hackney Diamonds: the brittle, snarling “Angry”; “Mess It Up”; and, as the first encore, the gospel-flavored “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” which also featured Haynes. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” arguably the most iconic song in the catalog of a band that has a ton of them, was the second encore and show-closer.

The majestic ballad “Wild Horses” made it into the setlist via a fan vote, and “Shattered” made its tour debut, undoubtedly because of its New York references. But “Brown Sugar,” which was played in 2019, was not there: In 2021, band members decided they would no longer perform it on tour, because of its controversial references to slavery.

Introducing “Miss You,” Jagger couldn’t resist a topical joke: “I was a bit worried about the weather tonight. I thought we were going to get a bit of a Stormy Daniels.” (Despite some heavy rain in the area in the morning, the show was precipitation-free.)

He also revived the great Tick Tock Diner controversy of 2019. (He had claimed from the MetLife stage, then, that he had visited the Clifton diner, though many doubted that he really did.)

“On the way to the show, I stopped in there,” he said this time, after “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” “And I found out they’ve got a new sandwich. And it’s called The Mick Jagger. I’ve never had a f*cking sandwich named after me before. So I’m very, very proud, and me, and Keith, and Ronnie, we’re going to eat it after the show.”

For the record, there is indeed a sandwich named The Mick Jagger at The Tick Tock Diner. It’s Taylor ham, cheese and two fried eggs on a roll, with disco fries. But, no, I still won’t believe that Jagger himself actually has been there, until I see a photo.

If the Stones’ set was all about defiance in the face of advancing age, Jon Batiste’s 40 minute-plus opening set represented the other side of the coin: The unadulterated joy of youthful exuberance. (Though he released his first album 20 years ago, he is still just 37, and seems even younger.) He brought a big, boisterous group to the stadium, including dancers and a horn section, bounced around from guitar to keyboards to drums, and made full use of the small mid-stadium stage and the ramp leading up to it that Jagger later prowled.

He performed a lot of his own material, including the anthemic “Freedom,” plus bits of everything from “When the Saints Go Marching In” to Ray Charles’ “I Got a Woman” and Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner.” After it got dark enough, he asked everyone to turn their cellphones on, in order to create a thousand points of light for his ballad “Butterfly.”

The guy can play anything: His piano playing showed influences ranging from classical music to the R&B piano boogie of his hometown, New Orleans. And though his songwriting is still too derivative to win me over fully, I will say, without reservation, “Wow, what a showman!”

[www.njarts.net]

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daspyknows
It was a very solid show without something that made it special. It sounded great. The band played well. It was a fun time especially for casual fans who are buying tickets. It sure seemed full as well.


The other point I meant to make is this is first show back after break. Sunday will be different.

Daspyknows,
Long time listener, first-time caller, thanks for all the stuff you share.
Excellent point about after the break.

The comment I made over on the Atmos side in the buy/sell forum is propaganda.
Long retired taper (cassette) and appreciate what you do to get that equipment in.
I had a method that worked when I was taping, but I was so focused on the capture that I missed the moments and decided to stop.

Smartphones changed the game, I think; tapers are probably more relaxed and cool now than the jostling phone holders, so maybe I pick up a new rig...

nope, never tape the Stones.

Soundboard

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soundboard

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daspyknows
It was a very solid show without something that made it special. It sounded great. The band played well. It was a fun time especially for casual fans who are buying tickets. It sure seemed full as well.


The other point I meant to make is this is first show back after break. Sunday will be different.

Daspyknows,
Long time listener, first-time caller, thanks for all the stuff you share.
Excellent point about after the break.

The comment I made over on the Atmos side in the buy/sell forum is propaganda.
Long retired taper (cassette) and appreciate what you do to get that equipment in.
I had a method that worked when I was taping, but I was so focused on the capture that I missed the moments and decided to stop.

Smartphones changed the game, I think; tapers are probably more relaxed and cool now than the jostling phone holders, so maybe I pick up a new rig...

nope, never tape the Stones.

Soundboard

I know what you mean about being in the moment. We all have our way to enjoy shows and knowing I am rolling a great show puts me in the zone. The way I get in to these shows generally pretty easy these days that there is minimal stress especially if I know the venue. Since I wear the gear it is generally set it and forget it. I can't dance but generally not a dancer. It is easier wearing my gear than holding a phone as well and the results are well worth the effort. The things I dislike (talkers, drunk idiots etc) bother me regardless and if I wasnt taping I would be more likely not to go. The joy I get from a good recording and sharing it with friends makes it worth it. Today I met a friend for lunch and he brought a friend along. I put on last night's recording copied to my phone and handed him the headphones. The smile as he listened was worth the price of admission.

It’s interesting. You pay $950 for a VIP pit ticket primarily to be assured to be in the pit with early admission. Then at the last minute, the lucky dips come in and crowd everyone and get 6 inches in front of you after you paid the money and have been in line for 7 and a half hours. I hope this is the last tour. If not, next time I will purchase a seated ticket. I had someone next to me yesterday who didn’t like their seat in the lower bowl and got in pit B with a photocopied wrist band.

Interesting you say this. The couple standing next to me made the same grievance.

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donvis
It’s interesting. You pay $950 for a VIP pit ticket primarily to be assured to be in the pit with early admission. Then at the last minute, the lucky dips come in and crowd everyone and get 6 inches in front of you after you paid the money and have been in line for 7 and a half hours. I hope this is the last tour. If not, next time I will purchase a seated ticket. I had someone next to me yesterday who didn’t like their seat in the lower bowl and got in pit B with a photocopied wrist band.

Lindsey Zoladz for the media company formerly known as the grey lady

[www.nytimes.com]

Got a glimpse of the show (thak you Dime!) and in all honesty the playing is surprisingly good and strong.

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donvis
It’s interesting. You pay $950 for a VIP pit ticket primarily to be assured to be in the pit with early admission. Then at the last minute, the lucky dips come in and crowd everyone and get 6 inches in front of you after you paid the money and have been in line for 7 and a half hours. I hope this is the last tour. If not, next time I will purchase a seated ticket. I had someone next to me yesterday who didn’t like their seat in the lower bowl and got in pit B with a photocopied wrist band.

There's this wonderful buzz and excitement about these 80 year olds touring and I'm in awe of that, but the only disappointment for me with Mick and Keith is the money grab, I'd understand it if they needed the extra millions but with a net worth of approx 1 billion dollars between them it's unessessary.

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donvis
It’s interesting. You pay $950 for a VIP pit ticket primarily to be assured to be in the pit with early admission. Then at the last minute, the lucky dips come in and crowd everyone and get 6 inches in front of you after you paid the money and have been in line for 7 and a half hours. I hope this is the last tour. If not, next time I will purchase a seated ticket. I had someone next to me yesterday who didn’t like their seat in the lower bowl and got in pit B with a photocopied wrist band.

Nothing like rock n roll eh? I paid $1k and I’m surrounded by peasants

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Bastion

Nothing like rock n roll eh?

Yeah it is rock'n roll, not a night at the MET. People cheat, lie to get a better seat, then they get drunk or smoke drugs. Then they barf while the band is on.

I cannot imagine a sanitized Stones show, right?

A photocopied wristband is rock 'n' roll!

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donvis
It’s interesting. You pay $950 for a VIP pit ticket primarily to be assured to be in the pit with early admission. Then at the last minute, the lucky dips come in and crowd everyone and get 6 inches in front of you after you paid the money and have been in line for 7 and a half hours. I hope this is the last tour. If not, next time I will purchase a seated ticket. I had someone next to me yesterday who didn’t like their seat in the lower bowl and got in pit B with a photocopied wrist band.

The pit is general admission. You have no right to get annoyed by sharing the pit with people who paid substantially less with their Lucky Dip. Besides, you sound like an elitist d-bag when you do.

You do have a legitimate gripe about people pushing ahead of you. That’s not cool. But sounds like you left too much space for someone to slip in. Next time stand your ground a little more fiercely.

As for anyone sneaking in with a fake wristband, yeah, that’s bs. But I’d bet it’s only a very small number of people who pulled that stunt. Let it go.

It seems no Pit drop on Thursday? I would think the same then for tomorrow as it's Holiday weekend with Monday being the holiday and many are off of work

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drcgull
Anyone know what time parking lots open?

Yes, 3pm EDT. Gates open 6pm, show starts 8pm.

Anyone know what time Stones should be expected to go on?

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LeonidP

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drcgull
Anyone know what time parking lots open?

Yes, 3pm EDT. Gates open 6pm, show starts 8pm.

Anyone know what time Stones should be expected to go on?

On Thursday the Stones started at 9:30 pm.

!Thanks Putty!

Sounds like another great performance. I have an idea but Mick might say no. Drop Get off My Cloud & paint it ….& each night do a different song from the past. Maybe bring back Rambler. That would be great. Btw did BV stop making reviews? Or is he too busy.

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OneHourPhoto
It seems no Pit drop on Thursday? I would think the same then for tomorrow as it's Holiday weekend with Monday being the holiday and many are off of work

I wanted to see how late ticketmaster continues selling tickets, so I checked at 9pm and there were face value pits, A and B. Hadn't been monitoring it earlier...

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cyclist

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OneHourPhoto
It seems no Pit drop on Thursday? I would think the same then for tomorrow as it's Holiday weekend with Monday being the holiday and many are off of work

I wanted to see how late ticketmaster continues selling tickets, so I checked at 9pm and there were face value pits, A and B. Hadn't been monitoring it earlier...

Well, that's...interesting. Half an hour before showtime.

And FYI, don’t hope for a cameo by NJ’s Bruuuuuuce. He’s on tour in Europe and just cancelled a show in France at the last minute, citing Dr.’s orders.

Yep, lost his voice two hours before showtime apparently...people who traveled across the country (but that was their choice) are (understandably) up in arms.

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IORR Links : Essential Studio Outtakes CDs : Audio - History of Rarest Outtakes : Audio

I'm perfectly fine w/ no Boss appearance

How was it getting in/out? Anyone transfer through Secaucus?

It's all pretty easy. Just have your ticket ready to go.

Coming from Manhattan would recommend the subway and NJ transit to Seacaucus and then Meadowlands

Metlife Stadium has poor transport links if you want to get there early. After a bit more investigation, there is a bus from Manhattan that runs on the hour. The 355 bus from The Port Authority Bus Terminal on 41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues terminates at American Dream which is a big shopping mall next to Metlife and has a few bars. A single ticket costs $9 and the journey time is 20-25 minutes, according to the timetable. The buses stop running about 9.00pm, so it will be the shuttle train back from the stadium to Secaucus before the train to Grand Central.

The 160 bus also is an option going to Meadowlands from Port Authority.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024-05-26 05:47 by daspyknows.

Pits for tonight's show on Vividseats at 487 USD + fees

Enjoyed reading your review Halfnanker,, We’ve had similar experiences (except Roseland, wow!)

Is it just me or is that one of the more successful Shattered’s they’ve ever done? Keith kept up, Mick kept up, Ronnie and Steve held it together. Great version, especially considering it sounded like a death march in 2018.