Rolling into Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday night to continue their rescheduled 14 On Fire tour, The Stones (Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts) set the bar high on what was to be a magical night of old school rock ‘n’ roll when they leaped and bounded into ‘Jumping Jack Flash’ and ‘You Got Me Rocking’.
Looking and sounding refreshed, invigorated and more importantly perhaps, happy, they showed that we young folk can still learn a lesson or two from them as they put on a fun, highly energised and unforgettable concert.
Here are some things we have learnt from The Stones:
There Is No Need For Bells And Whistles When You Are The Bells And Whistles
The Stones simply do not need gimmicks in their live shows. The minimal use of effects is a very effective tool, in that it frees the audience up to focus on what they came to see: arguably the greatest rock band on the planet.
Mr Watts’ calm and collected presence behind his skins is enough to put any anxious fan at ease. The classiest drummer in existence keeps the group tight without missing a beat throughout the impressive nineteen-song set.
Maybe it is Wood’s prowess as he sets to work reminding us why he is a world-class act, delving into regular guitar battles with Richards’ in gritty bluesy exchanges and doing a fair bit of posing himself as he strikes out on his own trip around the catwalk during crowd-pumping rock number ‘Start Me Up’.
Or perhaps it is the aura that follows wherever the Glimmer Twins go. The duo is something akin to the ‘perfect couple’. For over fifty years, their friendship and musical partnership has grown into the stuff of legends. Jagger’s lyrics and Richard’s riffs and melodies have continuously imbedded themselves into music lovers’ very souls making a lasting impression.
And the special guest appearance by former Stones guitarist, Mick Taylor, for the epic showstopper that was ‘Midnight Rambler’ was indeed special.
The Rolling Stones Care
When the Stones first came to Melbourne in 1965, they played at the Palais Theatre of which they unmistakably have many fond memories.
Pictures of the beloved site even flash across the big screen at Rod Laver Arena at the beginning of the show as part of a video montage.
Hearing of the iconic St Kilda venue’s current plight, front man Jagger appealed to the crowd to “Give generously” in support of a campaign to save the landmark that is in need millions of dollars worth of repairs.
An incredibly generous act in itself to take the time to bring awareness to an issue that is close to the heart of our city.
No One Really Has The Moves Like Jagger.
Let’s admit it: We totally want to be able to do moves like Jagger, but we know in our heart of hearts it is simply not meant to be.
The man is unto himself in this department.
Commanding the stage, he walks, jogs, dances, poses, and struts across every possible inch of available surface tirelessly the entire night through timeless classics such as ‘Tumbling Dice’, ‘Wild Horses’ and ‘Honky Tonk Women’.
His slim hips and wildly gesturing limbs are absolutely mesmerising to watch and must instil a certain admiration for anybody who is lucky enough to witness the full extent of this man’s stamina and showmanship.
Sometimes Back-up Singers Shine Too Bright To Keep In The Background.
Backing vocalist, Lisa Fischer, has been touring with the perennial rockers since 1989 and has been known to come out and do duets with the evergreen front man at their shows.
The woman is a powerful force to be reckoned with and exudes an incredible amount of stage presence herself.
The duet between Fischer and Jagger serves to bring the house down with the stirring ‘Gimme Shelter’ as they visibly feed off each other’s energy.
Safety And Comfort Come First
The only sign we are given that these stalwarts of rock acknowledge in any way they are technically elderly citizens is in their choice of foot apparel.
From Wood’s shiny red sneakers, to Jagger’s plain black walkers, and Richards’ Nikes, the Stones are taking the transition into elder gentlemen in their stride. Quite literally.
With this added comfort, it is much clearer why they are able to move about so well for two hours, especially when these three all go for a lengthy jaunt around the stage and tongue-shaped catwalk during ‘Miss You’ with their catchy howls of “Oooh – oooh –ooohs” which audience participation is mandatory.
They Have Humour Aplenty
It is evident Jagger has done his homework, and by throwing in a few Melbournian references, he instantly and effortlessly personalises the show to the delight of fans.
He asks how everyone’s hangovers are from the Cup, and lets on that he went himself ‘incognito’.
In fact, while there he met a girl called Gabi Grecko with whom he got on well. However, he felt he was “A bit too young for her.” Cue the arena lighting up with laughter.
Richards is a cracker too. With his customary roguish smile he says, “It’s good to be here.” And then deadpans, “Good to be anywhere” before sweeping us away with his guitar once more.
We Love It When Good Ol’ Keef Takes The Lead Vocals
Now, let’s not forget that Keith Richards also has singing chops.
As Jagger enjoys a well-deserved breather, everybody’s favourite devilishly dishevelled pirate takes the arena under his sail for a two-song master class in the beauty that is ‘Keef’ with stand outs ‘Before They Make Me Run’ and the eternally sunny ‘Happy’.
Complete with his roguish grins, effortlessly cool guitar-playing and knee slides (yes, knee slides), the 70 year old proves he is still as charming a rascal as ever.
The Depth Of Our Own Gratitude
Between Jagger’s continuous flair for de-shirting and re-shirting, the bright and bold choice of attire of the band members, and the downright dirty and gritty rock and blues that weaves throughout the set list ,including the audience voted ‘Street Fighting Man’, smashing the encore with a choir-led ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ and bringing it home with a highly satisfying ‘Satisfaction’, the four statesmen of rock certainly know how to leave fans thinking a two-and-a-bit-hours show is ending way too soon.
We are keenly made aware of how much we owe the Stones for a large part of our musical education and the endless entertainment they have provided the world over their long and illustrious career.
It’s only rock ‘n’ roll, but we love it. And we love them. Thank you, Rolling Stones, truly.
Setlist
Jumping Jack Flash
You Got Me Rocking
It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll
Tumbling Dice
Wild Horses
Doom and Gloom
Street Fighting Man
Out Of Control
Honky Tonk Women
Before They Make Me Run
Happy
Midnight Rambler
Miss You
Gimme Shelter
Start Me Up
Sympathy For The Devil
Brown Sugar
Encore
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Check out the full gallery from the gig here.
