It’s been a challenging month for octogenarians trying to keep performing in the U.S., so let’s appreciate that the Rolling Stones continue to electrify stadiums with their intensity.
At SoFi Stadium on Wednesday, the Stones did exactly what they’ve been known for over the decades: they hit the road to promote their latest rock and roll album, “Hackney Diamonds,” released last year. Despite having every reason to make this tour a nostalgic tribute for fans, especially after the loss of their cherished drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, the Stones chose not to dwell on sentimentality. Instead, they performed with unmatched energy, delivering astonishing and thrilling moments onstage that continue to make history rather than just reliving it.
Despite decades of dark glamour and immense excess, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood still make their entrance to the famously understated introduction — “Ladies and gentlemen, the Rolling Stones.” Since the Johnson administration, this has remained one of rock ’n’ roll’s most enduring and dependable traditions.
However, with the passing of Watts renowned for his calm demeanor and steady, jazzy drumming style. it was reasonable to question how long this tradition would endure. Despite all evidence to the contrary, the Stones will eventually retire someday.
Well, keep waiting. From the powerful riff of “Start Me Up” to the relentless drive of closing track “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” the Stones roared and purred like a meticulously maintained Aston Martin, reaffirming the thrilling allure of their catalog both now, as they did in 1964, and likely will in 2064.
If you’re feeling disheartened about the world, take solace in this: We’re fortunate to witness Jagger’s remarkable skill and energy on stage. Those fluid hip swings and his shirt fluttering in the night air; that flawlessly articulated R&B delivery on “Beast of Burden.” Don’t buy into his jest that “our first gig in San Bernardino was so long ago, some of you might think we’d been dug out of the La Brea Tar Pits.” He can still evoke that simmering allure just by tucking a microphone into his waistband.
Don’t forget to appreciate Richards as well. The most famously resilient Stone was in excellent shape on Wednesday night, skillfully leveraging the constraints of age to his benefit.
SoFi Stadium has become the backdrop for every major pop extravaganza of our era, where backing tracks are essential for the required dazzle. However, we stand by the belief that nothing sounds better in that space than a powerful, ear-splitting, gritty riff from Richards.
Wood handles most of the fretboard acrobatics these days, but when Richards dives into “Midnight Rambler” while Jagger wails about Robert Johnson’s hellhounds, he truly captures the essence of the song. That stark, mournful minor chord opening the verses of “Wild Horses” resonated even more powerfully in 2024 when played by his hands. When Richards sang “Everyone is asking questions, yeah I got one too… Is the future all in the past?” in “Tell Me Straight,” it felt like a defiant challenge to the Reaper.
The classics “Paint It Black,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Tumbling Dice” pulsed with a primal, timeless energy. The band thrived on the crowd’s response to “Honky Tonk Women,” which now engages fans across three generations.
Even the new tracks from “Hackney Diamonds” demonstrated the Stones’ relentless drive to evolve. Collaborating with young producer Andrew Watt, known for his contemporary rock sensibility, for their first album of original material since 2005 proved to be a wise choice. Songs like “Angry” and “Mess It Up” were perfectly tuned to this phase of the Stones’ career, showcasing their searing licks and the fearless attitude of a band supremely confident in its enduring appeal.
Wood takes on most of the intricate fretwork these days, but when Richards takes on “Midnight Rambler” while Jagger sings about Robert Johnson’s hellhounds, he truly embodies the song’s spirit. The mournful minor chord that begins the verses of “Wild Horses” sounded even more poignant in 2024, as played by his hands. When Richards sang “Everyone is asking questions, yeah / I got one too… Is the future all in the past?” in “Tell Me Straight,” it felt like a bold defiance against the Grim Reaper.
Wood takes on most of the intricate fretwork these days, but when Richards takes on “Midnight Rambler” while Jagger sings about Robert Johnson’s hellhounds, he truly embodies the song’s spirit. The mournful minor chord that begins the verses of “Wild Horses” sounded even more poignant in 2024, as played by his hands. When Richards sang “Everyone is asking questions, yeah / I got one too… Is the future all in the past?” in “Tell Me Straight,” it felt like a bold defiance against the Grim Reaper.
A lot of the credit goes to the adaptable backing band the Stones have assembled. Drummer Steve Jordan honored Watts’ style with both respect and power, keyboardist Chuck Leavell delivered exquisite piano solos, and Chanel Haynes brought Tina Turner-worthy energy to the backing vocals. The War and Treaty’s Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter also contributed with their majestic Southern soul during the set’s opening.
Even though we might come to the Stones for their crushed velvet and silver jewelry, their attitude, and the shared experience of stadium rock, the band remains restless. There are no sentimental tributes, not even to their own history. No nostalgic journeys through their past. Just guitars and the devil, fiercely clashing in the incandescent twilight years of what’s likely the greatest rock band we’ll ever know.
