It's Only Rock'n Roll
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It's Only Rock'n Roll |
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Stones
NEWS |
Tell Me Forum |
Hackney Diamonds |
Tour 2024 |
Mick Jagger |
Keith Richards |
Charlie Watts |
Ronnie
Wood |
Band 2
Tim Ries |
Live pre/post show comments:
While Thursday's opener was great, Sunday's had the edge despite “Miss You” coming in for “Midnight Rambler.” The loud cheers for the former from nearby newbies certainly outweighed my disappointment.
As for the four-pack, we got “Rocks Off,” “Shattered,” “Dead Flowers” and “Whole Wide World” in a row. What a combo.
Ok, “Rocks Off” was a bit rough, with Mick sing-talking his way through it. He did comment afterwards that they hadn't done the song in a while. If by “while” he meant nine weeks ago at the Houston opener then he would be right. I liked how he emphasized “she cums every time she pirouettes on me,” like a naughty schoolboy trying to test the boundaries.
And then came “Shattered,” my highlight of the night, which I hadn’t heard since the Manchester show five years ago. A long, long while. I was pleasantly shocked that they opted for this one over ballot contender “Like a Rolling Stone.” Mick failed to remind us to vote in November, perhaps a consequence of recent disastrous events.
This was a killer version, all punked and rapped up. Keith and Ronnie excelled on this number, which deserves to be dusted off more often, maybe alternating with “Tumbling Dice.”
Genial opening act Lainie Wilson returned to the stage for “Dead Flowers,” doing exactly as required - which seems to be a difficult assignment for some other guests. She aced her “needle and a spoon” verse and nicely complemented Mick on harmonies.
Lainie had barely left the stage when the band lurched 52 years into the present and played “Whole Wide World” with no introduction. I’ve heard this Hackney Diamonds standout just twice live, and appreciate how it sounds like no other Stones song ever.
Not much else to add, overall. A few random notes. Ronnie played some interesting melodies on “Paint It, Black.” It might be interesting to isolate his track. On “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” Mick no longer draws out the “hungryyyyyy tonight" line. During “Satisfaction,” I noticed a young security guard recording the performance on his phone. Never seen that before. I hope he doesn't get fired
Mick seemed more talkative than usual, played more guitar than usual, and the whole band was smiling and energetic throughout. It was a cool (but not cold) summer night and the sound in the stadium was excellent. No quibbling about the setlist. Although I voted for Like a Rolling Stone, I enjoyed Shattered. Would have loved to hear Rambler, yet Miss You was a killer version with a great harmonica, bass, and dueling sax solo. Rocks off was a pleasant surprise.
It really didn’t matter what they played last night, but that they played, and I got to see them again. I was in a freshman in high school when Tattoo You came out and couldn’t get tickets and thought “this could be their last tour”. When I did finally see my first show in 1994 I thought “not sure how much longer they will stay together”. Last night I just soaked in every song like a sponge and tried not to think about when this will end. Thankful to spend a beautiful summer night with my wife and boys watching my favorite band. I left with gratitude that the boys continue to enjoy playing these songs with passion and put on such an impactful concert for everyone.
The Stones playing in Chicago has been more like a welcome deluge than a water drop for many years, and of course this city was a watershed in their early years of recording. For many years it has been customary to play two shows, such is the local demand: that deluge of Stones music and fans being split over two evenings. The result of two shows in a city is a setlist shuffle and last night was no exception.
So not only did we get 20 songs played, but 7 songs were changed from 3 nights before. Keith still played 3 songs: one, with its first outing on this tour and I think since Detroit 3 years ago, being Before They Make Me Run. So now they have played 40 different songs in 15 shows, and we know that at least another 10 are ready to play because they have appeared on the song vote.
It was another cool night, thankfully, almost cold after the previous day’s heat and humidity. Some people wore coats, not needed in the middle of the crowd with all the excitement and heat being generated by dancing and singing, but an extra layer was definitely required by 11:30pm when the show ended. No rain, again: the weather gods have been kind to us this year.
The pace at the start of the show was electric. Let’s Spend the Night Together, kicked off on Mick’s shout by Chuck, followed Start Me Up. Then Rocks Off, one of two songs tonight from Exile – and it rocked. I thought it was maybe the best that I have heard this live, because of the clarity of all the instruments; the faithfulness to the studio recording; and the excitement it generated. Mick seemed to be looking at someone at the front when singing the “pirouettes on me” line.
After Angry the song vote was Shattered, last heard in New Jersey (after New York last year). This was another high paced, nearly punk, version with the wording amended to a Chicago-specific “rats on the South Side”. He cued-in the slower section with a call for a “middle eight”; and continually encouraged guitars, saxes and drums to play more. Three songs from Some Girls tonight.
Dead Flowers followed with Louisiana-born Lainey Wilson joining Mick on vocal. Mick wore a very big cowboy hat: Lainey wore leather western gear. She sang a verse solo. All this was, for me, over-shadowed by some really excellent country guitar from Ronnie (licks and solo) and Keith (licks). Possibly the best Ronnie playing on Dead Flowers – at least those that I’ve heard.
They had hardly said farewell to Lainey (hugs for Ronnie and Keith) when Keith starts up with Whole wide World. He was so fast that Mick had to rush to get to the microphone, which was the opposite of the situation earlier in the tour when Mick had to actively encourage Keith to start the song. It’s as if Keith was nervous of a new song – not at all now!
In a rare error Mick then asked for the audience to sing along to the next song, forgetting that it was Tumbling Dice not YCAGWYW. Keith grinned as Mick admitted the mistake. This rendition was not as good as others, but well received nevertheless. Guitar performance improved all ‘round for YCAGWYW, offsetting a crackly French Horn intro. In what might be the highest video magnification even seen at a Stones gig, Tim Ries’ fingers on the Hammond organ filled one whole side of the massive, hi-res, video screen.
Darryl again got a big cheer as the local band member. His bass is really boosted during a few songs, Miss You being just one example. I wondered if he surreptitiously tweaks the volume knobs, but careful inspection suggests that it is Mr Natale at the sound mixer station. Darryl has to suffer Mick dancing for him on Miss You, and then chest- or shoulder-bumping him, so perhaps this is the response?
The audience was told that Ronnie finds the introductions the best part of the show as he is out alone with nobody around him: the cheers and his grins suggest that this might be correct. Keith of course gets the biggest cheer, but then again nobody introduces Mick… Keith also surprised many by bring out Before They make Me Run from the archive – not too deep as played only 3 years ago. The guitar work was great even if he needed to check the lyrics rather frequently.
Four of the standards then played went very smoothly, loud and strong. I’ve noticed that Ronnie plays more and more north African sounding licks on his Sitar Guitar (I think it is a Danelectro, but I’m sure someone can correct me). They sound delightful and Keith was smiling in admiration. JJF was very strong and loud tonight, Keith bringing it to what I felt was a slightly premature conclusion by again playing the verse riff over the “JJF is a gas, gas, gas” riff. Counterpoint guitar is not really a Stones style.
Chanel now gets a great big cheer before she starts her two duet pieces, reflecting how she has rapidly established herself as star in the Stones firmament. I wish Mick would find the opportunity to give Bernard a similar spotlight (like he does on occasion on Beast of Burden) because he brings such depth to the vocals throughout the performance. Add-in his very strong percussion on at least four songs, and one realises the importance of his contribution over such a long time.
Shelter and Sweet Sounds were both excellent again. I was standing next to a long-term fan, a music industry veteran, who heard Sweet Sounds live for the first time in Chicago. He was in awe of the song, the band, and the vocalists’ performance. He felt Chanel was better than the recording of Lady Gaga doing the same song: an interesting thought.
Satisfaction finished-off yet another gig. The Stones 41st in Chicago; three quarters of this tour’s shows; and approximately gig number 2266 of their long life. Having “66” there would be appropriate, if accurate, at the location of the start of Route 66 which, in the UK original, is the opening track of that classic RS 1 album released 60 years ago.
The sole Canadian gig follows next, which heralds the start of a west coast journey mostly in California. I’m still hoping for more from Hackney Diamonds, but maybe all the election talk around the song vote (“remember billions of people don’t get a vote” from Mick this week) is causing a conservative attitude in the set-list creators? Maintaining such a high standard of concert is great, but remember that the Stones have always tested the boundaries.
This show started with Keith getting the opening riff of Start Me Up correct, but it was followed with some "off" moments later on from Keith and others. A few "coming in late" moments throughout, and later on it was Mick messing up the words on Gimme Shelter when coming out of Chanel Haynes' excellent spot in the middle. Those did serve as a reminder that the Stones just might be human after all.
The nice cool night brought us 6 songs which were different from Chicago 1, getting right to it with Let's Spend The Night Together in the #2 slot. Rocks Off was a great choice for the #3 slot (or for anywhere on the list!), played as though they have been doing it every show although it hadn't been done since the tour opener in Houston. Getting Shattered as their choice of vote winner was surprising - not because it was the biggest hit of vote choices - but because it's a New York City song for a Chicago show.
Dead Flowers with opening act Lainey Wilson went tremendously well. Mick putting on a cowboy hat made it even more fun, while Mick and Lainey were genuinely having a great time and sang really well together. Right after I commented that it was the best performance of Dead Flowers I have seen over the years, (Even though my most memorable time remains seeing it at Churchill Downs in Louisville in 2006 on the track that hosts Kentucky Derrrrrrrr bee Day) You would absolutely believe that Mick and Lainey have been working together for years.
Mick later mentioned that it was "singalong time", which caused me to panic for a second. It was time for Tumbling Dice (another song being performed very well this tour!). But Keith started Dice and on with the show. When it ended, Mick said something like "NOW it's time to sing along" leading in to You Can't Always Get. It was that kind of night.
The Keith set was solid, and the switching out of Happy for Before They Make Me Run was a nice treat.
Miss You continues to be played, in my opinion, the best on this tour since 1981-82, helped by (hometown) Darryl's guitar work in the middle. Gimme Shelter was solid, and, as mentioned earlier, Mick messed up the lyrics but got out of it well. However, at the end, Mick was clearly expecting the end of the song when the band extended it out, leaving Mick a bit lost on stage while the band kept going before coming to a logical conclusion.
Sweet Sounds of Heaven was especially well done on this wonderful night. Maybe it was the blues element and being in Chicago, but it worked big time. My personal highlights for the evening were Rocks Off, Dead Flowers, and Gimme Shelter.
One other important point. During Chgo 1, Keith was walking around, including most of the way out on to the front ramp and over on the opposite side ramp. During Chgo 2, he stayed in the Engine Room pretty much the entire time. The only time he came on to the front ramp was coming a few steps out during the introductions.
As for the big question of which show I liked better, I'm going with Chicago 1. Really close, but for me the incredible version of Rambler and "perfect" Gimme Shelter pushed that one over the edge.
Great show, and great weekend!
Both nights the weather was clear and pleasant for the outdoor shows. For some reason the weather was much hotter on the days off. As Mick mentioned from the stage the stadium Soldier field was celebrating being 100 years old. The stadium was renovated in 2002 but the Chicago football team would like to build a new stadium. The stadium is close to downtown and you can walk or catch a subway train which connects to the two airports in the Chicago area. Mick mentioned from the stage at the 1st show that this was the 40 show in Chicago. The 2nd being the 41st in Chicago. These were the 10th and 11th shows at Soldier field The first was July 8, 1978. On Sept. 11-12, 1994 Chicagoan Darryl Jones made his hometown debut with the band at Soldier Field with reported ticket sales of $4 million for the two sold-out shows. Then Sept. 23 and 25, 1997 the reported ticket sales were $6 million to perform 48 songs over two nights. Then Sept. 10, 2005 and October 11 2006. The June 21 and 25 2019 shows had reported ticket sales of nearly $22 million. For this year's shows one could buy a ticket starting at $69.50 at the box office. I also noticed Pits still being available for $550 each. The shows were very well attended but stadiums allow for everyone to attend. The first night I was further back on the 1st level and very thankful for the large stage screens. On Friday night after the 1st show Tim Ries and Bernard Fowler had a Band 2 show at Martyrs Chicago. At the 2nd show Mick mentioned he had a chance to check out his hair in the chicago bean- the Cloud Gate sculpture in downtown Chicago which got a laugh. Mick also said the music of Chicago really inspired the band. Very memorable!
Sure, there were sloppy mistakes, but there was power, fire, and some very good guitar playing, especially from Keith. The guitars were louder than their last visit to Chicago – and really, really loud on HTW, Sympathy, JJF, and Satisfaction.
Most of the concert’s highlights and gaffes were covered by other posters, but I wanted to talk a little about Chanel Haynes. She did some good mugging on HTW, and was excellent on Gimme Shelter. Her shouts of “Rape; Murder” were soul-crushing. But I thought her singing wasn’t as good on SSOH, and Sunday’s version didn’t come close to the live version with Lady Gaga in New York last year. She also came across (to my wife and me) as acting a bit much, as opposed to feeling it, on SSOH and the ending of Gimme Shelter.
Mick was amazing, but he wasn’t carrying the show as he has sometimes done in the past – but he didn’t need to. Mick didn’t need to climb the set or run from side to side. Having both guitarists playing well made a difference. I liked it better than many of the shows I’ve seen where Mick was great, but either Ron or Keith were off.
All-in-all, it was a remarkable show.
Photo by Bjørnulf Vik
Photo by Bjørnulf Vik
Photo by Bjørnulf Vik
Photo by Bjørnulf Vik
Photo by Bjørnulf Vik
Photo by Bjørnulf Vik
Photo by Bjørnulf Vik
Photo by Bjørnulf Vik
Photo by Bjørnulf Vik
Photo by Geir Greni
Photo by Geir Greni
Photo by Geir Greni
Photo by Geir Greni
Photo by Geir Greni
Photo by Geir Greni
Photo by Geir Greni
Photo by Josef Massinger
Photo by Josef Massinger
Photo by Josef Massinger
Photo by Kurt Schwarz
Photo by Kurt Schwarz
Photo by Kurt Schwarz
Photo by Rama
Photo by Rama
Photo by Rama
Photo by Rama
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Photo by Rama
Photo by Stephen Prospero
Photo by Stephen Prospero
Photo by Stephen Prospero
Photo by Victor Woods
Photo by Victor Woods
Photo by Victor Woods
Photo by Victor Woods
Photo by Victor Woods
Photo by Victor Woods
Photo by Victor Woods
Photo by Victor Woods
Photo by Victor Woods
Photo by Victor Woods
Photo by Hendrik Mulder
Photo by Hendrik Mulder
Photo by Hendrik Mulder
Photo by Hendrik Mulder
Photo by Hendrik Mulder
Photo by Hendrik Mulder
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