The Rolling Stones Review - London Stadium

As far as concerts go they simply don't get much bigger than the kings of rock royalty themselves 'The Rolling Stones'. This was the second night at 'The London Stadium'. Former Olympic venue and now bedecked in the claret and blue of West Ham Utd. The 'No Filter' tour began in Hamburg on 9th September 2017.some 28 concerts later it will end in Warsaw on 8th July 2018.

However before the main course is served we have a very tasty starter in the shape of 'Florence and the Machine.

I will confess that despite knowing the name of the band I wasn't familiar with any songs. Or so I thought ? I actually recognised three songs which I think had been absorbed into my brain through an osmosis process at the gym. It can't be easy opening up for the Stones in such a massive setting and she put on a great performance , full of energy and exuberance. 'Hope you are all planning on getting drunk tonight' ? She bellowed out to the audience. Not at £6.50 for a pint of IPA was the thought that immediately went through my head. I'm no Olly Reed when it comes to necking beer but it would have been the best part of 50 folding to comply with her request.

 It is a quick turnaround and The Stones hit the stage around 8:15 and being June it is still light. 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' sets the tone for the night ahead as Mick Jagger bounces on to the stage with more swagger than your average 74 year old. The sound is awesome and this is far more than just a nostalgia trip. By now the stadium is virtually full right back to the top of the 'Bobby Moore Stand' a long way to our left.

There will be a few set list changes from the first show earlier in the week . In fact they kicked off with 'Street Fighting Man' previously. The next three songs are all heavyweights; 'Lets Spend the Night Together', 'It's only Rock 'N' Roll '( but I like it) and 'Tumbling Dice'. It is clear that this is going to be the equivalent of a greatest hits show.

We get the old old blues number 'Just your Fool' from 2016’s Blue and Lonesome album. As I understand some sort of poll had been completed for the next song 'Dead Flowers' which got the most votes anyway. 'Just as well really 'says 'Mick I know all the words to that one.

'Hope you're all feeling nice' ? He enquires . Something of an understatement really given the state of fever pitch the audience has reached already. 'Newham has never  seen so much excitement' has it !

Also from the 'Sticky Fingers' album (1971)  we then get 'Wild Horses' which sees Mick dueting with Florence Welch and it is superb.

 Charlie Watts must be playing one of the smallest drum kits I have ever seen at a live concert. He is totally unphased and is the antithesis of the stereotypical rock star. At times seeming to be in a world of his own. I love the quote when  talking about 25 years in the life of  a Rolling Stone, ' It's been work for five years  and 20 years hangin' around'.  Priceless.

'Anybody in from Dartford' ? Asks Mick. 'Well there's at least two of us' . Referring to him and Keith Richards when a chance meeting on platform 2 of  Dartford Station on  17 October 1961 started the ball or should I say stone rolling. Talking of Mr Richards he takes centre stage for two solo outings, 'The Worst' and 'Happy'. Allowing the rest of the band to nip off for a cup of tea or maybe something stronger?

 As darkness falls they are re-united  for 'Sympathy for the Devil' a song i've stuggled with in the past  but it sounds awesome tonight.

'Miss you' sees bassist Darryl Jones  occupy the stage; his solo is  technically perfect, and groovily funky.He has been a touring member of 'The Stones'  since 1993 when Bill Wyman decided to call it a day.

Having played with the likes of Clapton , Madonna , Sting and Peter
Gabriel he knows what it is all about !


Ronnie Wood 'the Hogarth of Hounslow' as Jagger calls him is probably the more versatile of the two guitarists these days. But during the brilliant 'Midnight Rambler' they both seem to be trying to outdo each other.

The energy and enthusiasm levels are relentless as we  move into the final furlong with 'Start Me Up' and 'Brown Sugar'.

With a back catalogue spanning over 50 years there are plenty of songs to choose from. I don't think anybody will be disappointed  with what has been offered up so far.

The band disappear to rapturous applause and this particular part of London's East End   is buzzing nicely as Mick might say?
 

The encore sees my favourite 'Gimme Shelter' where the backing vocals of Sasha Allen provide a powerful almost gospel sound.

Last song of the night and everybody is on there feet , (as they have all night to be fair). No prizes for guessing (I can't get no) Satisfaction. Well satisfaction is guaranteed tonight that is a certainty. No- one will be going home disappointed.

It's exhilarating , exciting and electric , that is the essence of a Rolling Stones concert. All that is left is for a few pyrotechnics and fireworks to round off the evening. This has been epic, and will live long in my memory as one of the best I have ever been to.

Full Set List 

• Jumpin' Jack Flash
• Lets Spend The Night Together
•  It's Only Rock 'N' Roll (but I like it)
•  Tumbling Dice
•  Just Your Fool (Buddy Johnson & his Orchestra)
•  Dead Flowers
• Wild Horses (with Florence Welch)
• Youcan't always get what you want
• Paint it Black
• Honky Tonk Woman
• The Worst (Keith Richards vocals)
• Happy (Keith Richards vocals)
• Sympathy for the Devil
• Miss You
• Midnight Rambler
• Start me Up
• Brown Sugar

Encore

• Gimme Shelter
• (I can't get no) Satisfaction