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“Get off the stage before the lights dim.” I’m sorry to say it but the Rolling Stones are over. [BUMPED because “How did this ridiculous garbage end up in my Google feed? “]

The Rolling Stones have given all of us decades of pleasure and joy … and hot sex after the show. But all those things are not going to be happening apres les Stones any longer. Below are three clips from the audience of the end of their latest tour and they are, well, scary.

Without any distance, sound reengineering, or snappy edits and filters you see exactly what the Stones can bring to the stage. It’s not a pretty picture. In fact, it would be better if these images could be retracted from the infinite image bank of the planet and then scrubbed from the cache. Alas, the same goes for the singing and the playing and the sound as well.

On the one hand, it is gratifying to see the Stones still trying to get up in The Groove. After all, they’ve helped make The Groove for so long. No longer. With this tour it’s clear to see that the Stones have not only lost a step, they’ve lost half the length of a football pitch.

I certainly hope they finally got the Satisfaction they needed from this tour, but it’s time for the caravan of “The Greatest Rock and Roll Band” to pack up its tents and silently fade away. The only thing they can do that is more damaging to their image and images than this tour would be another tour.

And… scene.

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • ghostsniper September 5, 2019, 8:28 AM

    the world is a ghetto

  • JAH September 5, 2019, 8:39 AM

    I enjoyed music of the Rolling Stones back in the day, but also believed they had sold their souls to the devil. Nowadays, they actually look like the devil. So yeah, please dim the lights and go home for the few years you have left. Just because you can still shake that bootay doesn’t mean you should. Buh-buh now.

  • Holmes September 5, 2019, 8:56 AM

    I listened to the embedded clips. Jagger didn’t sound any worse than he did the first time I heard him back in 1974, outdoors. I was really disappointed in their live sound. Interesting that they look even uglier than they did 40 years ago. I wouldn’t have thought that possible.

  • Ned Ludd September 5, 2019, 9:41 AM

    Not very good but I have seen concert footage from the 70’s that wasn’t much better. However, the drunken granny look has gotten old.

  • jwm September 5, 2019, 9:46 AM

    I was never a huge music fan, and never cared much for the Stones. One of my long time beefs with rock is that groups who sounded so fine on record sounded raw, clunky, and just noisy when you heard them live. These clips are a classic example.

    JWM

  • Harry September 5, 2019, 10:21 AM

    When he was a mere lad of 32, Mick Jagger may have said: “I would continue to write and sing, but I’d rather be dead than sing Satisfaction when I’m 45.”
    Of course, he’s not 45 any more.
    And I’m sure that Pete Townsend and Roger Daltry are happy that they did not die before they got old, unlike the other half of their band.

  • Callmelennie September 5, 2019, 10:28 AM

    Looks like the Rolling Stones have indeed gathered some moss. About a 40 year accumulation, I’d venture

  • Hahahaha September 5, 2019, 10:39 AM

    I put the stones right beside the beatles, the who & bob dylan, they suck. Oh , let’s not forget about aerosmith, they really suck.

  • Anonymous September 5, 2019, 11:21 AM

    You would think someone would give them a clue.
    “Their best friend their doctor won’t even tell them what it is they got.”
    (paraphrase from Dylan’s Tom Thumb Blues.)

  • Jack September 5, 2019, 11:58 AM

    I was never a “fan” when I was younger, preferring acoustic music over R&R but I began to enjoy the Stones when old friends, who were big fans, left us in the arms of death. We reminisced about them from years ago, stood them a few beers and enjoyed the RS in remembrance and their honor.

    These short YT clips are abysmal though and if anything the RS should go “yecch”, hang it up and spend some of their dough. Except Keith Richards. He’s still a fine acoustic solo/blues player and he actually had a pretty decent voice but his real talent is his humorous outlook on life.

  • slm September 5, 2019, 2:01 PM

    “I don’t like old people on a rock n’ roll stage. I think they look pathetic, me included. And the fact that I represent an era means I can’t just go out there and do all new stuff. They would all say, ‘Sing ‘White Rabbit,’ and I’d say no? That’s rude.”

    Grace Slick

  • David September 5, 2019, 2:33 PM

    I saw The Who this summer, in their real “farewell” tour. Really great show. But Pete is tired of it and doesn’t want to tour anymore, at nearly 74.
    Roger Daltrey is 75 and has taken good care of himself, and his voice is still great. The rest of the band are younger guys (Ringo Starr’s son is their drummer), as Simon Townsend, Pete’s younger brother plays rhythm guitar (only 64).

    The Stones are living on what they did years ago, but some of their fans still seem enamored of them.

  • John September 5, 2019, 4:10 PM

    At least Brian Jones had the foresight to die young.

  • Gordon Scott September 5, 2019, 5:50 PM

    My wife attended a concert with Bob Dylan and the Stones in the early 1980s at the late Metrodome, in Minneapolis. This facility had an inflated soft roof. Concerts never sounded good there. The sound was so bad at this particular show that the audience could actually understand what Dylan was singing.

  • Paul A’Barge September 5, 2019, 7:25 PM

    Oof.
    From where did the old(er) constipated, non-rock trogs slither to comment here? You people (host included) are like the worst corroded battery terminals.

    Delete your accounts. Take something for the constipation.

  • billie rubin September 5, 2019, 11:32 PM

    I bet you’re right, Paul. I bet a double dose of Ex-Lax would make amplified tantrums thrown by hyperannuated two-year-olds almost palatable. Why didn’t I think of that?

    God, you’re hip.

  • Casey Klahn September 6, 2019, 12:03 AM

    “The Stones! I can’t believe they’re still together! Fred and Wilma!”

    OK. That was bad. And stolen. But, for my part, I hope the Rolling Stones keep going. They make me feel young! By comparison, that is.

  • Kelly Pilcher September 6, 2019, 12:23 AM

    I’m sorry but what on Earth are you talking about?? I saw them in concert 2 weeks and they absolutely blew the entire stadium away. All of the swagger and bad ass rock and roll they have always brought. They are still phenomenal. Not sure what you are looking at.

  • Bonnie September 6, 2019, 12:28 AM

    The fans will decide when they are done, not some individual that thinks his, or her, opinion will end the Stones. When the fans stop coming, that’s when it’s over. As far as I have seen, the fans are still showing up.

  • Lou Gri September 6, 2019, 12:41 AM

    Nobody should quit doing what they love cuz someone else says they’re “old”. As far as in concerned they get better every concert. I loved their last concerts

  • Susan Martin September 6, 2019, 4:01 AM

    And you are an idiot. Highest grossing tour and if you were a fan you’d read comments from tens of thousands of people who strongly disagree with you. Would lice to see your one named ass perform any better for 20 minutes. I’ll take these legends any day over the “performers” we are tortured with today. Stick to writing for Tiger Beat because you are a fool.

  • Michael Cairo Raftice September 6, 2019, 4:02 AM

    You could not be more wrong. Instead of watching videos and writing negative, meaningless bullshit, I went to the show in Jacksonville. It was a great show.. The band was hot and Jagger still had the moves. It’s not boxing or football. It’s music and you don’t have too be 25 to do it well. The Stones remain the best band in the world. I went and saw Ian Anderson and he can still play but cannot doing. This is not the case with the Stones. This article is drivel.

  • Michael Cairo Raftice September 6, 2019, 4:04 AM

    I meant to say Ian Anderson can sing anymore. Fucking swype. It’s sad. He should tour with a different singer or hang it up. This is not the case with the Stones.

  • ghostsniper September 6, 2019, 4:22 AM

    Yes, of course.
    People approval trumps quality every time.
    Watching 70 year old great grandfathers gesticulating on stage in an attempt to mimic what they did when they were 20 is such a turn on. I guess, if you pay $200 for a ticket, you’re going to approve of it no matter what, otherwise you’ll confirm what everybody else already knows about you.

    Saw Pete do his legendary windmills on TV a few years ago and I think I damaged my retina’s.
    Seeing 90 yo Tony Bennett swaying and getting all emotional is more than even I can bear. They have to tape over the bottom of the mike to block out the swishing of his depends.
    Somebody should buy these doods some comfortable porch chairs and a bottle of black jack.

  • Stacy Youst September 6, 2019, 4:30 AM

    I liked when Keith wore stuff in his hair, around his head…

  • Bruce September 6, 2019, 4:48 AM

    Best concert ever….no complaints here

  • Jeff Brokaw September 6, 2019, 5:14 AM

    Too old to rock ‘n roll, too young to die for a couple decades already, if you ask me.

    Keith Moon checked out at 32 because he knew the Rock and Roll Lifestyle Rules.

  • Chris September 6, 2019, 5:15 AM

    Long live Keith Moon!!
    We now return to your regular programming.
    CIII

  • Jeff Brokaw September 6, 2019, 5:18 AM

    Whatever has kept Keith Richards alive all these decades, through the booze, cocaine and heroin, they should market that stuff as a miracle drug.

    Looks like living hell, though.

  • Pat September 6, 2019, 5:33 AM

    I saw the first show of this tour at Soldier Field and the Stones rocked.
    My purpose for going was not to be awed by their attractiveness, because most people could argue that none of them ever looked that good even in the late 60’s.
    The Rolling Stones wrinkled mugs are a testament to their longevity and we can see the character come through in their faces.
    When the Stones first took the stage and Mick Jagger began his energetic performance with Street Fighting Man I looked ovet at Keith Richards grinning from ear to ear while watching his bandmate back out there and I knew that they still had something to give.
    Should the Stones consider hanging it up now, perhaps, but that is up to them to do it on their terms, they are one group that has put in their dues by performing great music for millions of us fans.

  • His Majesty September 6, 2019, 5:36 AM

    They suck, they always sucked. Boomer garbage no different from all the other boomer garbage.

  • PRenee September 6, 2019, 6:08 AM

    I am not impressed with the author of this article. His propensity for making discriminatory remarks in reference to age are not acceptable on any level. His ability to look beyond appearance clouds his judgement and precludes his ability to make meaningful remarks. The Rolling Stones represent an era that has made a mark in history which delivers an accolade of events we will never see again. To the author……THE ROLLING STONES ROCK…MAY THEY PERFORM MORE CONCERTS UNTIL THEY DROP DEAD!!!!! In your opinionated little mind they have no importance yet they still draw thousands of fans to their concerts. Maybe it’s time for you to put down your pen and invest in depends since you spew nothing but garbage. One day the dumpster will be full and there will be no more room for your inappropriate journalism.

  • JW September 6, 2019, 6:33 AM

    First time I saw the Stones in concery was this year in Chicago. I have to admit that I thought the show was one that I will not forget. Should have seen them in their younger years. If they were that good now, I can imagine what I missed in my younger years. Kudos to all the Stones. Job well done! I’m glad I did get to witness a band that is an Icon in Rock music.

  • John Anthony Castello September 6, 2019, 6:54 AM

    Although I wasn’t able to attend this tour, I’ve been fortunate enough to see the Stone’s live 3 times before.
    By far the most exciting and fun live band.
    Performance par excellence !

    No need for self sacrifice after decades of entertainment.

    Enjoy the rest of your lives with your families.

    Thank You for years of over the top music.

  • jamesp September 6, 2019, 6:58 AM

    Don’t hate because you may never reach the age of the youngest member of the “greatest rock and roll band”
    Love the Stones.

  • Dan H September 6, 2019, 7:04 AM

    Dude, you can’t even hear the rhythm section in that Sympathy recording. Of course you aren’t getting the full appreciation of it. Saw them in NJ. The rawness of the show is what makes it great. It’s supposed to be raw and gritty. And hearing the rhythm section definitely helps. Get some better recordings and come back at me

  • Laurel September 6, 2019, 7:15 AM

    You are an opinioniated IDIOT! The Stones are still FABULOUS and give SATISFACTION!! You are an author of fake news as evidenced by this post. Long live The Rolling Stones!! Looking forward to the next tour!

  • Berdi Price September 6, 2019, 7:23 AM

    I thought they sounded great!

  • Gdad September 6, 2019, 7:32 AM

    If they are too old and don’t have any new tunes….why do people keep paying the money to support them? That would be the signal to get off the stage.

  • Shirley simmons September 6, 2019, 7:45 AM

    Saw them in Houston and they were great!

  • Vanderleun September 6, 2019, 8:15 AM

    Welcome to The Greatest Fans of “The Greatest Rock and Roll Band!” Where have you all been for the last 19 years?

  • Colin Stark September 6, 2019, 8:35 AM

    How did this ridiculous garbage end up in my Google feed? The Stones *killed it* this tour. Mick Jagger would run circles around you. Or me! Or Justin Timberlake or any other performing artist. You’re whining because they have *wrinkles*? You, along with anyone else with similarly negative opinions on this feed, clearly didn’t see them in concert. So you bring a completely uneducated, misinformed opinion. True rock legends at any age.

  • B.H. September 6, 2019, 8:42 AM

    You don’t know what your talking about. Saw them in Philly and had 60k up standing,clapping, and singing all night. Great show. Also saw The Who 2 months earlier, another great show. Great summer for old head rockers.

  • Judy September 6, 2019, 8:53 AM

    You’re all crazy. They are still great.

  • JK September 6, 2019, 8:57 AM

    For the younger commenters, your children will say the same about your musical heros! If you have some musicians to reminis about when your over 50, feel lucky, and let it take you back to better times….as your children gag…

  • Dustyn September 6, 2019, 8:58 AM

    I think the biggest problem I see with it, is the music has gotten slightly worse yet the price is 10x what it used to be. If they were affordable tickets for a generation that didn’t get to see them, I would see no complaints. We all get old but that shouldn’t stop us from doing what we love.

  • Fred September 6, 2019, 9:20 AM

    All y’all, especially the hack writer, can all go fuck yourselves. STONES FOREVER! (although not for long obviously.) They still run circles around the shit music that’s out there today.

  • J Willis September 6, 2019, 9:22 AM

    This is pure BS. Muddy Waters & many blues players continue to tour in their old age. The Stones are better now live than ever. Take your snide millenial comments & shove them.

  • Brook Bowman September 6, 2019, 10:08 AM

    HA.. You are a laughable, sad, little human being. You obviously do not understand great music, longevity, or anything remotely fun. Much less actually went to a Rolling Stones concert. Please get a life.

  • Vivienne September 6, 2019, 10:21 AM

    Yeah, take you Millennial crap music ass and shove it. You don’t have any music.

  • Mary England September 6, 2019, 10:39 AM

    You bunch of mellinials suck..Jagger is classic ! Sounds and looks good.Puts on a fantastic show! Why don’t you go listen to your fake new age sound reconstructed kaereoke pop suck music!

  • Mike Ralston September 6, 2019, 10:41 AM

    They’ll never be better than they were at Altamont.

  • tim September 6, 2019, 11:04 AM

    Congrats, Gerard, you’ve know REALLY done it! You’re a “millennial”.

    Besides, the best rock band ever – out drew, out sold the Stones hands down – was Led Zeppelin.

  • Jeff Brokaw September 6, 2019, 11:09 AM

    Well, now we know how to rile up a whole bunch of aging boomers!

  • OhioDude September 6, 2019, 11:10 AM

    Brown Sugar …. and bran

  • Vanderleun September 6, 2019, 11:10 AM

    Dear Brook, Unfortunate child. I was at Altamont and a couple of others. My first wife was the godparent in place when Karis went to Yale. I’ve on the far foward surfing edge of the Boomers and, born on December 26, 1945, I’ve been about six months ahead of what my cohort thinks all my life. I know what they’re going to do before they do it.

    So Brook you little kid I can justly say that I invented you. (Even though you are not one of my better creations)

    High marks for Ralston for “Best one liner in a thread.”

  • pbird September 6, 2019, 11:22 AM

    Everybody has an opinion. Even me. lol

    I am amused by the commenters who think GV is some kid. I am extra amused by commenters who think they know anything about Dylan. They don’t.

  • Theduchessofkitty September 6, 2019, 11:42 AM

    I’m not even a Boomer, yet I know when to hang my hat and call it a day.

    Enough, Rolling Stones. Just enjoy your golden years at the lake, the workshop, the bar… or something. The rest of us have LPs, CDs, downloads and streaming music. It’s good to remember the past, but you can’t live it forever.

  • Gary J September 6, 2019, 11:52 AM

    They sound alright to me, they should play as long as they want and can. They should stop playing (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction though

  • pbird September 6, 2019, 12:25 PM
  • Stuey Blue September 6, 2019, 12:27 PM

    A lot of haters out there. Don’t know whats wrong with these people. They sound great. Mick still has a voice. Let them keep playin.
    Stones still rock

  • ambiguousfrog September 6, 2019, 12:37 PM

    Anything is possible when you’re pickled. Good music? If they’re out of tune and incoherent, that’s my fault or I lack of taste? Yeah, I don’t think so.

  • ghostsnipers September 6, 2019, 12:44 PM

    Who bitch dis iz?

    “A lot of haters out there.”

    You voice an opinion and suddenly half the country gets triggered.
    Like the stones, do these people hold no value in their miserable existences?
    Unlike the stones, these people don’t recognize when they’ve been scammed.
    You have to wonder about these folks that claim the stones concert was the best they ever seen, I mean, where the hell they been, locked up in a closet?
    Anyway, it’s been fun, really, I’ll be here through next friday.

  • Brigette Beisner September 6, 2019, 12:47 PM

    You scoured the internet for the most unflattering clips. You didn’t bother to go to a concert from what I can tell. We could likely scour your selfies for a few unflattering shots. It’s unfair on your part as a “journalist.” This last tour was 2 years in the US and Europe. Not to mention a health scare for Mick. This band sells out every single show, the music stands the test of time and they are better now than they were in decades past. I think I’ll stick with the millions of true fans who spend their money to see REAL musicians.

  • Robert Palmieri September 6, 2019, 12:51 PM

    I am not a Stones fan BUT in all fairness the sound from a cell phone recorded way up front at the side of the stage is absolutely no real indication of what any band, any mix actually sounds like. My guess is you are fully aware of that and just looking for something to make a pronouncement about. Which got me to this site so apparently it was worth it.

  • Soylent Green September 6, 2019, 12:54 PM

    When I see the Stones rock out on stage, I’m reminded of all the good times they’ve given throughout their lives. They should rock on! Do I enjoy my spouse just because of the pictures of our youth? I’m reminded every day of wonderful times and that includes this morning and plans for tomorrow!

  • Steve in Greensboro September 6, 2019, 1:33 PM

    The Stones peaked in 1972 with “Exile on Main Street”, probably because they were trying to do American music and had input from Gram Parsons. Not too interested in them before or since. But I still listen to that album with enjoyment. One good album. How many bands can say that? Not many in my view.

    It looks like you’ve stirred up a hornet’s nest here. The rage is pretty funny. Thanks.

    Do Led Zeppelin next. To get you started, let me suggest my favorite Led Zep tune, covered by Little Roger and the Goosebumps — “Stairway to Gilligan’s Island”.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKr3mhojyvY

  • Bunny September 6, 2019, 4:19 PM
  • Chris Marshall September 6, 2019, 4:20 PM

    I think they are great and sounded great in Seattle last month.

  • Anonymous September 6, 2019, 6:01 PM

    Every who wrote the article about the Stones must can’t see or hear the Stones ROCK don’t u wish u had the fans they have don’t be jealous,

  • Doc Snarky September 6, 2019, 6:25 PM

    This wasn’t the best show ever, but just FYI, they are actually better now than in ‘75 when I first saw them live. My guess is you weren’t even alive in ‘75, so you wouldn’t know a damn thing about it. Who the hell is “Vanderleun” anyway?

  • Vanderleun September 6, 2019, 6:28 PM

    Sorry, Snarky, if you’d have paid attention instead of pull the trigger on your double-ought blatherload you would have known I was alive in 73, I was alive and at Altamont in 69, and I been alive since ’45 and have had plenty of time to invent you– even if you are not one of my better models.

  • Keeffan September 6, 2019, 6:52 PM

    🖕🖕🖕Go enjoy your Carly Simon records then!

  • Stephen W September 6, 2019, 7:54 PM

    This article is a testament to why older artist who are still very talented, in this country, are critiqued based on their looks not on their ability to entertain/perform.
    I attended the Rolling Stones concert last weekend in Miami and I thought it was great….sure they’re older but can still bring it….their fans loved the performance.

  • RS September 6, 2019, 8:04 PM

    Just another guy who has a platform to spout his opinion. What difference does it make how old they are anyone else is? Obviously there are plenty of people who thought they were worth going to. They are fantastic in person and love doin it. Are you getting too write?

  • Snakepit Kansas September 6, 2019, 8:21 PM

    Snarky,
    Pay attention to the audience or go away. Make a point, other than what is on top of your head.

  • Jody September 6, 2019, 8:54 PM

    I believe Miami was the only venue on this stadium tour that wasn’t sold out, and that was because of the last minute date change. I did see them in Miami and it was amazing. Can’t wait to see them again next time!

  • Nori September 6, 2019, 9:24 PM

    Well,Mr V,you have triggered a flinty rockslide of serious butthurt,apparently.

    Did the freshly jobless at Think Progress find their own Crossfire Hurricane right here?
    Bless their hearts.

  • Geoff C. The Saltine September 6, 2019, 9:49 PM

    Seems like the Stones have sent their fan club over here to trash you. Love it
    Oh, and you have a lot more readers now , lets see if they come back to comment on the one thing that binds them all together like climate change.
    Bury them with words, and facts.

  • AbigailAdams September 6, 2019, 10:27 PM

    Golly, Gerard! What a great Friday night here at Ye Olde Digest! Haven’t seen this much hair raising since the night you and that friend opened up 5th gear on that hi-way between south of Paradise and into the mountains to — where was it? — Nevada?

    Yeah, the Stones were great for a long time. And despite all these pups who think they discovered R&R and who think they know it all (I bet they’ve never read the original album covers), it’s time and past time they, well, you know… There’s just something — like shabby gentility — that shouldn’t be paraded around in public. It’s a little embarrassing. But (putting my hands up), if you didn’t see these guys in their absolute prime I guess one can be forgiven for thinking they are just the swellest bunch o’ rock-n-roll guys evah.

  • Charles Steenburgen September 6, 2019, 11:31 PM

    NO HA HA HA HA YOU SUCK

  • Kimberly September 7, 2019, 12:25 AM

    When did it become a crime to age and why should talent sit down for young beautiful celebrities? I saw the Stones on this tour for my 1st time and was blown away. I couldn’t give you 2¢ for the young platinum selling group that screeched through the opening set. Wake up and appreciate what you have while you have it and it’s called true quality and R&R Royalty!

  • ghostsniper September 7, 2019, 5:02 AM

    It’s almost as if some of these people had never been to a concert before.

    The stones were OK when they first hit the circuit but rock was advancing in giant leaps and by about 1969 they were already passe’ for the most part. Even with new album releases, by the 70’s they were mostly nostalgia, and after that – by the 80’s, everybody had already moved on. If, in 1984, you dropped in at somebodies crib and they had the stones playing you put up with it then when the album was over you suggested something more appropriate. I bought only 1 stones album ever, in the summer of 1971 and still have it but can’t remember the last time it was played – maybe in the 80’s? Dunno. Early to mid 60’s stuff just doesn’t do much for me any more. Now and then, but that’s it.

    Large venue concerts. It’s never been about the music, but the vibe. I’m an audio connoisseur and have the experience to back it. After an 8 year lapse in going to concerts I went to a large venue (in door stadium) to see my favorite band for the 6th time and was appalled at the sound. I wound my way around the place and no matter where I stood the sound was almost unbearable. Seemed to be more about quantity than quality. That “wall of sound” thing. After 2 hours I was wore out. And disappointed. I then went to many more large venue concerts and the sound was always the same, though outdoor concerts were marginally better. The lack of bouncing walls seemed to help a little but there was still a sense of over massive power when in fact, less would have been more. I have a Fender Stage 112 guitar amp that is like that. At 160 watts it is too loud even on 2. I have owned it for 20+ years and it almost never goes over 1. Once, I took it out in the yard and hooked up with a 100′ cord and wound it all the way up to 11 and even at that distance it was way too loud. The quality of what I was playing could not be distinguished. Backed down to 4 the quality started coming through. Thing is, most guitar amps don’t start to “come alive” unless they are cranked wide open. At low volume they are lambs and if you want to hear that lion roar and electrify that thing in your backbone you have to fully unleash them – 8 or better.

    There are other irritants about the large venue concerts. A lot of people take binoculars just so they can see the players. WTF??? Just buy the DVD, sit the TV down at the end of the yard and watch it with binoculars and save yourself $200 per ticket, and you can avoid all the retarded assholes wandering around getting on everybody elses nerves.

    Last concert I went to, with more than 200 behind me, was my favorite band in a large venue outdoor stadium. It was disappointing and unbearable and the final reminder that this is not how concerts should be. I remember Schlitt slapping my hand at the front of the stage during “Never Been Any Reason” in a 1973 concert that cost $6.50 general admission with 4 major bands. Contrast that with RUSH in 2009 that cost $200 and we were more than 200 feet from the stage and after the first chord strike my 5’2″ wife never got to see the band again because every asshole in the place was compelled to stand up.

    It ain’t about the music and hasn’t been for a long time but a certain segment never got the memo and unbelievably can’t stop themselves from bragging about their stupidity. If I want to hear Satisfaction I’ll drop the original vinyl on my $900 turntable and play it with quality through my $10k vintage sound stage and enjoy every minute of it.

  • Casey Klahn September 7, 2019, 6:04 AM

    I never saw the Stones in concert, but it does surprise me when I can tell my teenager the ones I did go to. I saw Dylan three times in concert. Once at The Paramount in Seattle (is it still there? I just drove past there last month, but in such heavy traffic the only thing I saw was pavement and car bumpers. I inadvertently got into an intersection and stopped (long bed Ford truck) and when I had my opportunity to jump ahead I did so. Two hippies were in the intersection, but well away from me and so I hopped forward, New York style, and they started up their mouths like I was a pariah. Thankfully, I live in rural Washington, so their BS didn’t phase me. Years before I got ticketed for intersectioning pedestrians; I’m well-aware of Seattle city laws. I was in violation one way or the other, but wanted to keep that fucking traffic moving. No hippes were harmed in my actions – just their sensibilities.

    Is that what Bod Dylan was teaching us at The Paramount in the Eighties? To carp at one another like Little privileged bitches? I think not. A block later, the cops were opening the intersections up to traffic and all rules were off. Shit, man.

    Seattle traffic, and the denizens, are all-of-a-sudden what it’s all about. That fucking place!

    Anyway, The next concert of Dylan’s I saw was at the great wooden dome in Tacoma, when he toured with Tom Petty. The sound mixing in that one was epic! Dylan, and Petty, owned sound as if they had been ordained to it from the 60s/70s. I get now why that was “the concert” of the 80s. I also saw the Doobies at that venue. Meh.

    The last concert I saw with Dylan was at The Gorge. I enjoyed it!

    If the Stones book The Gorge, I’m gonna go. Maybe one of em will die on stage.

  • Traveling Man&&&& September 7, 2019, 7:11 AM

    Never saw the Stones in concert. The closest I came was back in the early 80’s when they came to Atlanta. Back then, they would only play at the Fox Theater, a 4,000 seat venue that had great acoustics. the tickets went on sale at two in the morning and they were sold out before three in the morning. Remember, this was before the internet and you had to physically go to either the venue, or a Ticket Master outlet to get concert tickets.

    My best concerts were all overseas. Iron Butterfly at one, Zappa, Joan Baez, Alvin Lee, Genesis, Leo Kotke and the Scorpians at another.One of the few times I dropped Acid was at a Black Sabbath/Van Halen concert over there.

    I was there at Lori Lei on the Rhine when Jefferson Starship cancelled their set on stage because Grace Slick was sick and it ended up in a huge riot that made the cover of the Rolling Stone magazine. I think I still have the ticket stub from that ’78 concert.

    Last good concert I went to was at Death Valley in Clemson to see Pink Floyd in ’95.

  • Vanderleun September 7, 2019, 7:44 AM

    ” Seemed to be more about quantity than quality. ”

    And it is. The iron rule of modern concert music is “the worse it is the louder it is.”

  • Mary Ann September 7, 2019, 9:30 AM

    Of all the things discussed here….THIS sets people off? This has been entertaining Gerard.

  • Teri Pittman September 7, 2019, 12:09 PM

    If this was your first Rolling Stones concert, what are you comparing their performance to?

    I saw them, first US tour, in San Jose. Brian Jones commanded the stage. I can’t tell a lot about how it sounded because screaming teen age girls. I saw the Who twice in the mid 70s. I won’t go now because tickets are too expensive.

    And I’ve see Chuck Berry put pn a good show in his 70s so it’s possible. But at some point, you need to stop jumping around and just play the music.

  • ghostsniper September 7, 2019, 2:35 PM

    Saw Chuck Berry in 1980 at Knott’s Berry Farm, it was ghastly.

  • BJM September 7, 2019, 2:44 PM

    Saw the Stones in ’73 in a small outdoor venue 5000-6000 seats and it was a great show, but large venue shows are pointless.

    The Bay Area had some legendary clubs before Graham’s massive exploitation; The Stone, Old Waldorf and Mabuhay Gardens in the City. The Keystone Berkeley’s $1 Monday jams. So we were pretty jaded.

    The Paramount Theater in Oakland is a good venue…3000 seats, decent acoustics. Saw Leonard Cohen a couple of times and a couple of Dylan’s shows….but WTF is this?

    Sept 11th – Deep Purple: The Long Goodbye Tour.

    No. Just, no.

  • Gordon Scott September 7, 2019, 7:08 PM

    Hey Gerard,
    You left out, “. . . and I was banging Grace Slick back when she was just a drunken rich girl groupie hanging around the Fillmore . . . .”

    I mean, it’s not like she was coherent enough back then to contradict you.

  • Anon September 7, 2019, 11:20 PM

    Wow, ya triggered some wannabe rockers, it seems.

    Sniffy becuz they realized their heroes look like the rotting pirates in some boozy johnny depp movie…

  • Nobody Atall September 8, 2019, 5:09 AM

    I agree with Gerard; they should have retired gracefully some time back. I wish a whole lotta other people of that generation could understand the concept of retiring gracefully and enjoying their diminishing years in more peaceful and spiritual ways (Hillary! Dan Rather! Soros!). I think they might believe that if they did that, it would be their death. Maybe they are right about that, maybe their deals with the Devil forbid such peace. I have a relative who imbibes the FB culture and always says with vigor “No Regrets.” I am trying to figure out how to confront her with the un-Christian-ness of that sentiment while still remaining in relationship. I am filled with regret for some of the things that I have done or failed to do, said or failed to say. Boy-o-boy if I could have my current wisdom and understanding in my 20-something-age body … man, I would be able to take over the world. Hey … could that mean that our tech-lizard overlords are really bitter twisted old men who found a way to put their brains in new bodies … ?? Somebody oughta write a book about that … *coff* Sarah Hoyt *coff*

  • MIKE GUENTER September 8, 2019, 6:52 AM

    I guess if the members of the Stones still enjoy getting up on stage and performing and people will still pay big bucks to see them, more power to em.

    Maybe it’s a physcalogical thing. Some people can retire and enjoy just sitting around or doing a little traveling in their golden years…and some people, even though they may be well off enough, just need to keep working.

    How many stories have we heard about the guy who’s forced out, with the party and gold watch, who withers away and dies shortly after retirement; Too many, I’d eager.

  • MIKE GUENTER September 8, 2019, 6:53 AM

    I guess if the members of the Stones still enjoy getting up on stage and performing and people will still pay big bucks to see them, more power to em.

    Maybe it’s a physcalogical thing. Some people can retire and enjoy just sitting around or doing a little traveling in their golden years…and some people, even though they may be well off enough, just need to keep working.

    How many stories have we heard about the guy who’s forced out, with the party and gold watch, who withers away and dies shortly after retirement; Too many, I’d wager.

  • carla dempsey September 9, 2019, 2:09 PM

    Well since it was filmed 5 feet from the speaker with a little shitty camera mic I’m not surprised it came out sounding like that . It would sound the same with those up and coming bands out there……… Oh yeah they rely ENTIRELY on electronic machine’s that change how there voices and instrument’s if they even play any, beside’s being unoriginal they use a lot of loop’s and techno how many album’s do they put out that have more then one “hit”on them then you never hear from then again , not surprising I guess that fact alone would make you millennial’s or what ever you are too ignorant to realize that your’s is the “least” talented generation. But people like you are to ignorant realize that.

  • ghostsniper September 9, 2019, 2:53 PM

    carla doesn’t seem to understand who she’s arguing with.
    Hey carla, most of the regulars here are boomers and many of them are over 65 including the sysop.
    Now quit crying and go clean yourself up.
    As Frankie said, big gurlz don’t cry…

  • Missy September 9, 2019, 4:47 PM

    Saw them at the Washington, DC Coliseum on Nov.13, 1965. Now that was something. They have been too long at the fair at this point.

  • HH September 10, 2019, 5:30 AM

    Did you see that KISS—the band—was on the Price is Right Show last winter. The showcase prize was “going on tour” with the band for their final tour. It was the Fat Lady singing.

  • ghostsniper September 10, 2019, 5:31 PM

    Let’s get this thing over 100!