A spectacle that was televised around the world via
Pay-Per-View and even its own E! red carpet, the audience Saturday night in Newark
knew that whatever was in store for them was going to be something of epic rock
and roll proportions. As the house lights dimmed and a montage of clips from
famous fans like Iggy Pop, Johnny Depp, Elton John discussing what the Stones
mean to them, it was affirmation that this band have touched generations and
their colleagues. When the montage ended, a drum core dressed in gorilla masks
that resemble the cover of the band’s latest compilation of hits, GRRR!,
marched down the aisles of the Prudential Center playing a riff off “Sympathy
for the Devil,” and immediately had everyone in awe before The Stones took the
stage. Opening with “Get Off My Cloud,” it was officially show time.
Mick, Ronnie, Charlie, and Keef, backed by Darryl Jones on
bass, a trio of backup singers and various saxophonists that included Bobby
Keys and keyboardists, set out to perform the gig of their exciting lives.
After rave reviews from London, Brooklyn, and their first Newark show earlier
in the week, this final wrap-up had to be better, it had to be bigger, it had
to be louder, it had to be something more than just a Rolling Stones concert,
it had to a night that every high paying customer would never forget. It was a
concert that stood out like a sore thumb before a note was played with an
announcement that special guest Lady Gaga, The Black Keys, and the legendary
Bruce Springsteen would be on stage with the iconic Brit band.
It was hit after hit from “The Last Time,” “It’s Only Rock
and Roll,” and “Paint it Black,” the crowd were at their feet and The Stones
were just getting warmed up. As the opening chords to the thunderous “Gimme
Shelter,” were strummed, Mick introduced Lady Gaga to belt out the chorus.
Mother Monster and Jagger went toe-to-toe on dance moves and Gaga simply
sounded the best she ever has and should seriously consider making a rock and
roll record, she has the pipes for it.
While this was a rock and roll extravaganza, Jagger ushered
in a painful reality before playing “Wild Horses.” Speaking on the tragic
shooting in Newton, Connecticut, he said, "I just wanted to take a minute
and send our love and condolences to those who lost their loved ones yesterday
in Connecticut.” Many were in tears and others applauded vigorously, it is a
hard topic to cover at a concert, but as this was being broadcasted around the
globe, it was a message that was heard loud and clear.
As the show continued, two special unannounced guests were
welcomed -- John Mayer and Gary Clarke Jr., for a guitar summit of “Going
Down.” While Jagger had the show and crowd in his hands, it was now time for
Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards to show their chops, especially in front of the
younger generation. While Mayer had no stage presence, his skills are something
to admire but were no match for Wood, Clarke, and Richards. Then after the fans
voted to hear “Dead Flowers,” it was time for The Black Keys to hit the stage
for a cover of Bo Diddly’s “Who Do You Love.” The Keys’ basic garage rock coupled
with The Stones shredding sounds were a great mash-up and collaboration, it is
something many would hope could lead to more ventures with both bands. With all
of these guests so far, it was beginning to make the 12/12/12 Sandy concert a
distant memory.
After a slew of tracks that included their new cuts, “Doom
and Gloom,” and “One More Shot,” it was time for the band to welcome back one
of their former members, the amazing Mick Taylor for “Midnight Rambler.”
Taylor, who joined the band at every anniversary gig but their Brooklyn
concert, seemed to have the time of his life. The only thing that anyone could
wonder if at these moments back on stage if he ever regretted leaving the band
in the first place. As the crowd cheered to see Taylor with Wood and Richards
jamming away, it was time to reset and “Start Me Up,” exploded into the
audience’s ears. With the crowd singing away, the party was showing no signs of
stopping as New Jersey native Bruce Springsteen came on stage to perform
“Tumbling Dice,” a truly unforgettable moment in time that cemented the fact that
these legends will get anyone to play with them if they believe they are
worthy. Even drummer Charlie Watts had a smile from ear-to-ear with Springsteen
on stage.
In a setlist that spanned over 20 songs in over
two-and-a-half hours, The Stones kept rolling with the surprises as the Choir
of Trinity Wall Street came out for “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” While
many protested, including myself, over the high ticket prices, it is rare that
one could walk away and say this was worth every penny and more, but it simply
was. This concert will be embedded in my memory forever and was an experience second
to none.
Setting out to do exactly what they did 50 years ago -- play
loud fast, hard charging rock and blues, The Rolling Stones showed they still
got it. If not for the wrinkles on their faces, you would never know these
gentlemen were in their 60’s and after the lives they have lived, the fact that
they are still going and going this strong, every young band today needs to
take note – this is how it is done, I know it’s only rock and roll, but I like
it.
The Rolling Stones Prudential Center Set List 12/15/12:
Get Off Of My Cloud
The Last Time
It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)
Paint It Black
Gimme Shelter (with Lady Gaga)
Wild Horses
Going Down (with John Mayer and Gary Clark Jnr)
Dead Flowers
Who Do You Love (with The Black Keys)
Doom And Gloom
One More Shot
Miss You
Honky Tonk Women
Before They Make Me Run
Happy
Midnight Rambler (with Mick Taylor)
Start Me Up
Tumbling Dice (with Bruce Springsteen)
Brown Sugar
Sympathy For The Devil
ENCORES
You Can’t Always Get What You Want (with the Choir of
Trinity Wall Street)
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
