Rolling Stones Rocking as Vigorously as Ever at SoFi Stadium Show: Concert Review

The age question has become a significant topic in contemporary American discourse, as evidenced by prevalent media coverage. The realm of classic rock preempted political discussions in making age a focal point of debate. There is a general consensus that the President of the United States does not exhibit the same vigor as he did four years ago. However, with the Rolling Stones performing at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium for the first time since 2021, with a lead singer merely eight months younger than President Biden, the question arises: is this the same band it was three years ago?

It is safe to assert that if George Clooney attended the Rolling Stones performance on Wednesday night, he would not be penning an op-ed for the weekend urging Mick Jagger to retire.

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Rolling Stones Defy Age with Vibrant Performance at SoFi Stadium

Time remains on the Rolling Stones’ side in every improbable and impossible sense, at least regarding Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood. These icons continue to deliver performances that make this tour a must-see event, even if one has previously experienced their opening number, "Start Me Up," numerous times. On paper, the inherent brattiness central to the Stones' ethos may seem incongruous for octogenarians. In practice, however, they carry it well. The only aspect "diminished" at their SoFi performance was the audience's skepticism about their ability to pull off such a show. With Jagger and Richards at 80 and Wood at 77, the band remains in what can be considered a late-period prime. They will perform again in Inglewood on Saturday night, and it would be a missed opportunity not to attend unless one harbors a disdain for miracles.

The Rolling Stones themselves do not evade the issue of longevity, though they address it only briefly, acknowledging it like the proverbial elephant in the room. Few would have anticipated that this tour would be sponsored by AARP, and even fewer would have expected the band to use a sight gag involving the La Brea Tar Pits on the overhead screen. Mick Jagger remarked, “When we first came 60 years ago — 60 years ago! — to seek fame and fortune in Hollywood, like many others, our first gig was in San Bernardino.” (Drummer Steve Jordan did not add a rim shot.) Jagger continued, “And then, we did this famous television show called ‘The TAMI Show’” — at which point an image of a young Jagger with a moptop appeared. “That was all so long ago, some of you probably think we were dug out of the La Brea Tar Pits” — cue an illustration of tusks stuck in mud. “Whatever. I’d like to welcome you all,” he concluded, mentioning attendees from local cities and San Bernardino.

Following a rousing opening set by The War and Treaty, the Rolling Stones launched into their first number, “Start Me Up,” maintaining their tradition of paying homage to past members. This song is not always the opener on their tours, but it has become a staple. From there, the theme of rocking was quickly established with “You Got Me Rocking” — a recurrent “Voodoo Lounge” track that the band seemingly loves more than the general fandom — followed by “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll.” As is typical for a modern-day Rolling Stones set, there are a few wildcard slots, primarily in the first third of the show. On this night, besides the previously mentioned songs, the audience received performances of “Angry,” “Beast of Burden,” “Wild Horses,” and “Mess It Up.” On another night, they might have heard “Let’s Spend the Night Together,” “Rocks Off,” “Bitch,” or “Street Fighting Man.” The repertoire is extensive when it comes to “surprise songs,” almost as extensive as Taylor Swift’s.

The highlight of the show was not “Brown Sugar” (retired from the setlist since 2019) but rather “Midnight Rambler,” which remains in its perennial spot as a powerful “11:00 number” (not literally, but in Broadway terms). This song, extended as always with stops and starts, allowed Mick Jagger to perform with his harmonica and showcase his seemingly inexhaustible energy. On this 2024 tour, “Midnight Rambler” is followed immediately by “Gimme Shelter,” sung as a duet with Chanel Haynes, creating an unbeatable classic rock one-two punch. The final five songs — “Honky Tonk Women,” “Paint It Black,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” and “(Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” — constitute an electrifying conclusion to any rock concert.

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Rolling Stones' SoFi Stadium 2024 Tour Highlights

What distinguishes the Rolling Stones 2024 tour from the 2021 tour at the same venue? Not much, other than an increased level of astonishment from the audience that both they and the band are still here and performing so well. One interesting distinction is the extension of Keith Richards' lead vocal spot from one or two songs to three. This change is speculated to provide Mick Jagger with a brief respite during the physically demanding set. Regardless of the reason, more of Richards as a frontman is never a bad thing. His song “Tell Me Straight,” from the 2023 “Hackney Diamonds” album, is particularly poignant, adding a touch of vulnerability to the setlist.

Another “Hackney Diamonds” track, “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” was performed as a duet with Chanel Haynes, who remarkably embodies Tina Turner's spirit. Haynes’ performances are a highlight, bringing immense energy and emotion to the stage.

In summary, the Rolling Stones continue to defy expectations, delivering powerful and engaging performances well into their eighth decade. Their ability to maintain their signature sound and stage presence is nothing short of miraculous. This tour reinforces the notion that age is just a number, especially for a band that has convinced generations that they never have to grow up, let alone grow old.

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Rolling Stones Setlist, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, July 10, 2024:

• Start Me Up
• You Got Me Rocking
• It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll
• Angry
• Beast of Burden
• Wild Horses
• Mess It Up
• Tumbling Dice
• You Can’t Always Get What You Want
• Tell Me Straight
• Little T&A
• Before They Make Me Run
• Sympathy for the Devil
• Honky Tonk Women
• Midnight Rambler
• Gimme Shelter
• Paint It Black
• Jumpin’ Jack Flash
• Sweet Sounds of Heaven
• (Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

News Source:- variety.com