The thread about favourite live albums inspired me to consider my favourite performances and how they might be woven into a play list. I'm sticking to 19 songs and including some bootlegged shows:

1. Satisfaction- Knebworth 76
2. Under My Thumb - Hampton 81
3. If You Can't Rock Me Get Off Of My Cloud LA 75
4. Live With Me - Roundhouse 71
5. Let It Bleed -Wembley 82
6. Cracking Up -El Macombo 77
7. Love In Vain - Garden State 78
8. Just My Imagination - Garden Sate 78
9. Honky Tonk Women - Leeds 71
10. Midnight Rambler - Brussels 73
11. Happy - Ladies And Gentlemen 72
12 Before They Make Me Run - Shepherds Bush 99
13. Gimme Shelter - Amsterdam 95
14. Its Only Rock And Roll - El Mocambo 77
15. Bye Bye Johnny - Ladies And Gentleman 72
16. All Down The Line - El Mocambo 77
17. Start Me Up - Brixton 95
17. Brown Sugar - Leeds 71
18. Sympathy For The Devil - Love You Live 76
19. Let It Rock - Leeds 71

What does your fantasy set list look like?

Buffalo 2015

Frankfurt 1982
My absolute favorite. I was standing on a balcony very close to the stage and I was able to watch the band playing from close above. What an experience. I was dancing, screaming and smiling from the beginning to the end. Smiling kept on going for hours.

“Brown Sugar” sung 20 times in a row, with Mick only singing the “Black Girl” line over and over.

Any show from 1969 to 1973...

***
I'm just a Bad Boy Boogie

Both Amsterdam Paradiso shows May 1995. Setlists, venue, band performance; all among the best ever. Many thanks to those who helped me get from Philadelphia to Amsterdam with advance notice and obtain tickets.

HBK

I would probably make separate lists for Bill/Darryl era. Here's a playlist I did on Spotify earlier with some favorites from the Darryl era:

1. Jumping Jack Flash (San Jose 1999)
2. It's Only Rock N Roll (Buenos Aires 1998)
3. All Down The Line (Shepherds Bush 1999)
4. Hand of Fate (Wiltern 2002)
5. Black Limousine (Brixton 1995)
6. Brand New Car (Shepherds Bush 1999)
7. Memory Motel (Bremen 1998)
8. Shattered (Paris 1995)
9. Bitch (Wiltern 2002)
10. Midnight Rambler (Rio 2006)
11. The Worst (Amsterdam 1995)
12. Happy (New York 2003)
13. Out Of Control (Buenos Aires 1998)
14. Get Off Of My Cloud (San Jose 1999)
15. When The Whip Comes Down (New York 2003)
16. Route 66 (Shepherds Bush 1999)
17. Tumbling Dice (San Jose 1999)
18. Start Me Up (Cuba 2016)
19. Gimme Shelter (Amsterdam 1995)
20. Brown Sugar (Buenos Aires 1998)



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2025-01-14 14:10 by EasterMan.

Quote
no stone unturned
“Brown Sugar” sung 20 times in a row, with Mick only singing the “Black Girl” line over and over.

...because?

Good question!

1. Jumpin' Jack Flash (GIMME SHELTER)
2. Bitch (L&GTRS)
3. All Down The Line (LIKE A ROLLING STONE 1995)
4. Black Limousine (LIKE A ROLLING STONE 1995)
5. Dancing With Mr D (BRUSSELS)
6. Shattered (TOTALLY STRIPPED Paris L’Olympia)
7. When The Whip Comes Down (SUCKING IN THE SEVENTIES)
8. Let It Rock (LIVE IN TEXAS)
9. Time Is On My Side (STILL LIFE)
10. Monkey Man (LIVE LICKS)
11. Midnight Rambler (BRUSSELS)
12. Thief In The Night (NO SECURITY)
13. You Don't Have To Mean It (LIVE LICKS)
14. Honky Tonk Women (LOVE YOU LIVE)
15. It's Only Rock'N'Roll (LOVE YOU LIVE)
16. Sympathy For The Devil (GET YER YA YAS OUT)
17. Gimme Shelter (NO SECURITY)
18. Start Me Up (ATLANTIC CITY)
19. Street Fighting Man (GET YER YA YAS OUT)

I do like Flip The Switch, if I went with 20 it would've made it. And if it was 21 I would include Satisfaction from the GYYYO deluxe. All the other Chuck Berry songs are fantastic but Let It Rock is shorter so...

All of Satanic

Thank you to Easterman and Gas Light Street for entering into the spirit of this. More complete set-lists please!

Frankfurt Festhalle 1982 - first time seeing them in a Arena. Standing GA 4th row.
Paris Olympia 1995 - first time seeing them in a small venue/theatre.
Munich Circus Krone 2003 - second time seeing them in a small venue.
Berlin Waldbühne 1998 - first time seeing them in the world's best outdoor venue.
Berlin Waldbühne2022 - last time there with the best show ever.

My first
17/10/1973
You know where !

1. Start Me Up (Atlantic City 1989)

[www.youtube.com]

1989 was simply the best tour for this song, the last time it had a real swing to it thanks to Bill and Charlie. The guitars sound rich and crunchy and Keith is on his game.

2. All Down the Line (Shine a Light)

[www.youtube.com]

The second song needs to be something that keeps the momentum going, and I always love ADTL in this spot. For me, it's one of the few I prefer post-Wyman, I like the less frantic tempo compared to the Taylor and early Wood versions. The SAL version is as good as any.

3. Bitch (Leeds 1971)

[www.youtube.com]

Another groover to keep this brings brisk. I really love this early live version, later versions have various flaws (too fast or slow, not enough emphasis on the guitars).

4. Rocks Off (Los Angeles 1 2021)

[www.youtube.com]

I know, it's blasphemous to include a version without Bill or Charlie. Truth be told, Rocks Off has always been a sort of white wale in terms of being nailed live, and often went off the rails when performed. This 2021 version amazes me: Keith and Jordan take off at the original tempo and the whole performance is as good as can be, maybe better considering the band was nearing 80 and churning out such a fast, energized performance.

5. Tumbling Dice (Ladies and Gentlemen...The Rolling Stones)

[www.youtube.com]

Of all the warhorses, this is the one I feel really lost the plot in the transition between Taylor and Wood. The Brussels version captures the perfect groove, tempo, vocals, etc. It's a 10/10 version. Mick delivers a passionate and deliberate vocals. There's no slogging reggae tempo or weird vocal affectations here.

6. Beast of Burdem (Some Girls Live in Texas)

[www.youtube.com]

Mick's best and most soulful live vocal. A must for any playlist.

7. Ruby Tuesday (Sweet Summer Sun)

[www.youtube.com]

Something about this version being done on the band's home turf makes this one bristle with the melancholy and anthemtic power it needs. I know I'm already overloading on Vegas era picks, but bare with me, that's my Stones era.

8. Can't You Hear Me Knocking (MSG 2003)

[www.youtube.com]

I needed a performance from my first show. Some might scoff at picking a Ronnie version over the ones with Taylor, but Keith plays much cleaner than he did in 2013 and Ronnie is no slouch on the solo.

9. You Can't Always Get What You Want (Glastonbury 2013)

[www.youtube.com]

I love the faithful versions with the choir from this period, and Glastonbury is the most fun and powerful performance I've seen of it. Just a really great version with an enthusiastic crowd.

10. Slipping Away (Totally Stripped)

[www.youtube.com]

There are no bad versions of Slipping Away. Keith always lays it on the line and imbues it with great soul and depth. The 1995 versions are as good as any.

11. Happy (Brussels 1973)

[www.youtube.com]

Another song that peaked at Brussels and never sounded this good again. A truly exhilerating performance.

12. Midnight Rambler (Roundhouse 1971)

[www.youtube.com]

The best version, accept no substitute. The band sails through the changes with ease and Charlie is especially in control. I love the little prelude Mick gives. His vocals are terrific.

13. Honky Tonk Women (Roundhouse 1971)

[www.youtube.com]

Pure relaxed swagger. The band at their coolest. Just exactly perfect.

14. Street Fighting Man (Twickenham 2003)

[www.youtube.com]

This version combines the speed and energy of the Taylor versions with the polish and professionalism of the Licks era. The result is powerful, pulverizing performance. Charlie is again the MVP.

15. Gimme Shelter (Paradiso 1995)

[www.youtube.com]

My favorite song in my favorite version. This is how the song needs to be played: slow, lurching, slithery, sexy. Lisa is dynamite and the guitars are fantastic. Amazing version.

16. Paint It Black (MetLife 2024)

[www.youtube.com]

Needed to include something from the most recent and best Stones show I've ever seen. This a fantastic version of Paint It Black. Mick is completely wrapped up in the vocal and Keith is on fire. I wish there were more peak era versions to choose from, but this is one of their most immortal numbers and has lost none of its power or accuracy live.

17. Sympathy for the Devil (St. Louis 1997)

[www.youtube.com]

The show that introduced me to the Stones. It needs to be represented. The theatricality is amazing, Mick is fully invested and Keith was still capable of ripping up a pretty mean solo at this point in time. Love it, love it, love it. Plus, I love the Babylon versions for including the Kennedys verse. I'm a stickler for things ike that.

18. Jumping Jack Flash (SoFi 1 2021)

[www.youtube.com]

I know, yet ANOTHER post-Charlie performance, but indulge for a minute, as this is a fantastic performance. That first half of 2021 was notable for the kick in the ass Steve gave Keith especially, and while the Human Riff fell off by the end, he was kicking ass at the beginning of this tour. This performance of JJF is absolutely inspired: Keith is focused, barely posing and really hammering out the riff like it's meant to be head, Ronnie is juiced up and Mick is Mick. The outro goes on forever, and Keith is so proud of his work that he signals the song's only double ending since 1978. It's a real gem amongst modern day Stones performances.

Encore:

19. Brown Sugar (Brussels 1973)

[www.youtube.com]

Where it's at. The best of the best. Quick, brisk, kicks ass, takes names, and doesn't overstay its welcome. Rock and roll at its finest.

20. Satisfaction (Tokyo 1990)

[www.youtube.com]

The most vibrant and bombastic live version of the song. It's triumphant, dirty, corny, long, simmering, dynamic and an all around excellent version of their definitive anthem. A fitting coda for the Wyman era.

Glasgow Apollo, May 1982.

Slane Castle'73, St. Louis '72, Minneapolis '72 and all the Japan shows '73 ...and as nr.1....Altamont.

Quote
ROLLINGSTONE
Glasgow Apollo, May 1982.

Oh yes, that was a good 'un!

OK, I'll bite at a concept I've thought about over & over for eons.

Longest (known) set list is 28 songs (Knebworth or 1981 Tour?), so I'll use 3 songs (this is my ULTIMATE gig, so I can get 2 more songs, right?):

1. Jumpin Jack Flash (Leeds, 1971)
2. Start Me Up (Still Life 1981)
3. Tumbling Dice (L&G, 1972)
4. Let's Spend the Night Together (Hampton 1981)
5. Route 66 (Got Live - UK EP)
6. Rocks Off (Philly 7.21.1972)
7. Hot Stuff (Knebworth 1976)
8. Hey Negrita (Knebworth 1976)
9. Happy (London 1973 - from original Brussels Affair)
10. Rough Justice (Toronto, 2005)
11. Factory Girl (Wembley, 1990)
12. Spider & the Fly (Paradiso, 1995)
13. Crazy Mama (El Mocambo, 1977)
14. Mannish Boy (El Mocambo, 1977)
15. Crackin' Up (El Mocambo, 1977)
16. Little Red Rooster (El Mocambo, 1977)
17. Around and Around (El Mocambo, 1977)
18. Dance Little Sister (El Mocambo, 1977)
19. Bye Bye Johnny (L&G, 1972 - with Jerry the Barman & Alright, Birdie intro!)
20. When the Whip Comes Down (Detroit, 1978)
21. Honky Tonk Women (Brussels, 1973)
22. Angie (Brussels, 1973 - boot version)
23. Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Brussels 1973 - boot)
24. Midnight Rambler (Brussels, 1973)
25. Brown Sugar (L&G, 1972)
26. Sympathy for the Devil (LA, 1975)
27. Live With Me (Ya-Ya's)
28. Let It Rock (Leeds, 1971)
29. Street Fighting Man (London, 1973 - Brussels Boot)

Encore:

30. Uptight/Satisfaction (Philly, 7.21.1972)

Clearly, there are some icon omissions such as:

Miss You
You Can't Always Get What You Want
It's Only Rock & Roll
Paint It, Black
Beast of Burden
Get Off My Cloud
Prodigal Son (1969 - Mick & Keith only - WOW!)
All Down the Line
Bitch
Dead Flowers
Wild Horses

The only two among them which troubles me are Miss You & YCAGWYW, but in all candor, while I think these tracks are among the Stones' Top 10 of all time, I do not feel that they have ever improved on the studio versions (Miss You on 12" version). As for the remaining ones, while all icons, the 30 I selected are ones I have heard and think are the Stones' greatest live moments.

No list like this would be complete without naming songs never played live one would love to hear. Here's my top 10 of those:

1. Jigsaw Puzzle (to hear Ronnie & Keith & Mick weave on this with Darryl riffing on among Bill's greatest moments on record - WOW!)
2. Stoned - what an opener! Come out and play a 4 minute version of Stoned to stretch out and get everyone ready to rock!
3. Country Honk - part of an acoustic set!
4. Just Wanna See His Face (yes, a 10-minute "groove" version!)
5. Slave - I think many join me in wanting to hear this live
6. Pretty Beat Up - would be an incredible opening song with that magic riff!
7. Claudine - 2nd favorite unreleased track (until Deluxe released) - would love to see it with Darryl playing a stand-up bass guitar!
8. Little Rain - can you imagine Jagger slowing it down with this - chills!!!
9. Fiji Jim - perhaps my favorite unreleased (until 2021) track from this band, ever!
10. Rolling Stone Blues - yes, with Mick & Keith on high stools for a 2-man thing like Prodigal Son from 1969

Well, stuff like this is meant to be fun. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Kick me like you kicked before
I can't even feel the pain no more

"Rocks Off", Exile on Main Street
Rolling Stones, 1972

Prodigal son -Aarhus 1970.

Sway Horsens 2008


Sweet Sound New Jersey 2024

That is it.