Stones Rock Melbourne
The Rolling Stones proved why they are still arguably the biggest band in the world with a high energy classy performance at Rod Laver Arena. With an endless catalogue of hits to choose from the band thrilled the audience with trademark Jagger moves and a seriously tight and expansive show. Jagger joked about how it had been 50 years since they played The Palais and it seemed they'd improved with age since those days. The World Loves Melbourne is thankful for $600 ticket into the Tongue Pit area where we were only metres from the band. The best place to enjoy a gig.
Having grown up with a fair amount of the Stones and even attempted a few of their songs in our band TV Dinners this was like a part of my life. From Street Fighting Man, to Midnight Gambler to Miss You and Honky Tonk Woman, the hits just kept coming. The Stones were getting into it and Jagger was irrepressible prancing around the stage with still killer vocals and sass.
The connection with Melbourne was there - even Jagger alluded to wanting to be a "barista in Brighton". Which made me wonder if he'd ever been to Fitzroy for decent coffee...
Keith Richard and Ronnie Woods were in fine form often looking across at each other with an understanding built on decades. Charlie Watts always takes a low key place and he was his usual reliable cool self in the background.
The crowd were animated at this intimate Stones show (compared to some of the larger stadiums) with many dancing or at least tapping and swaying. These days the punters are prone less to dance and more to hold up their smartphones. As you do.
Check out more of the pics we took on the night.
