As part of their SIXTY 2022 European tour, The Rolling Stones played the second of two shows at BST Hyde Park, London, on Sunday 3 July.
Their brand needs no introduction. Most people recognise John Pasche’s lips and tongue icon. Few haven’t heard of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood.
Jagger remains the quintessential frontman. Every performer who has followed him owes something to how he has commanded a stage for sixty years. Richards fits the dictionary definition of a rockstar, having lived the life in full. Wood carries less bravado but commands quiet authority. History will remember him as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Remembering Charlie Watts
Charlie Watts, who died last year, was a notable absence. Just before the band took the stage, a tribute video honoured the drummer on the big screens. Watts had played with the band since 1963. Fans felt the loss deeply when Jagger dedicated the show to his late friend and colleague.
Setlist Highlights
The band opened with the 1965 single ‘Get Off My Cloud.’ The crowd, many of them a third of the band’s age, fell under its spell immediately. Few bands can match this kind of pull. ’19th Nervous Breakdown’ and ‘Tumbling Dice’ followed, both mainstays of this tour’s setlist. Jagger then invited the audience to sing the reprise of ‘Out of Time,’ from 1966’s Aftermath.
This show also brought several tour debuts. The band played ‘Angie’ for the first time this run. They also debuted their cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘Like a Rolling Stone,’ plus ‘You Got Me Rocking.’ The Rolling Stones still know how to surprise their fans, a skill few acts their age can claim. Each member also changed their outfit, or at least the top half, without fanfare throughout the night. This briefly confused latecomers and fans at the back.
The Band Behind the Band
As on previous tour dates, ‘Honky Tonk Woman’ preceded Jagger’s introduction of the band. An extensive group of touring musicians joins the Stones on stage. This includes backing vocalist Sasha Allen, bassist Darryl Jones, and keyboardist Chuck Leavell. Their talents turn every show into a cohesive experience. Jagger introduced Wood and then Richards last. Richards then took lead vocals on the next two songs, ‘You Got The Silver’ and ‘Happy.’
Closing the Set
The closing stretch brought a flurry of hits. The band moved from ‘Midnight Rambler’ and the haunting ‘Paint It Black’ through the unmistakably ’80s ‘Start Me Up’ to ‘Gimme Shelter.’ Allen delivered a stunning co-lead vocal on the latter. The band closed the main set with ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash,’ and the crowd erupted.
Fans didn’t wait long for the encore. Just a few minutes later, the opening notes of ‘Sympathy For The Devil’ brought the Stones back to the stage. It remains one of the band’s best-known tracks. ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,’ with Richards’ famous riff, closed the night with an almighty bang.
Still Going Strong
2022 marks The Rolling Stones’ sixtieth anniversary. The band shows no sign of stopping. The trio still bounces around the stage as they did in their youth. Adoring crowds still turn out to witness every moment.
