How do I even begin to describe a Rolling Stones concert? Well, first of all, I’ll admit that I thought we had actually arrived at a soccer game when we first got to the stadium because everyone was chanting “Olé, Olé, Olé” and no music was being played yet. But upon entering the venue and seeing the stage, I’ve come to the conclusion that you can’t.
The Rolling Stones began calling themselves the “World’s Greatest Rock & Roll Band” in the 60s, and few argued with them then or argue with them now. The Rolling Stones have defined the look, attitude, and sound of rock & roll more than any other band in the genre’s history.
Now, a “rolling stone” is often used as a metaphor for something that is always moving or changing, so you’ll hear people saying something along the lines of “a rolling stone gathers no moss.” To me, this perfectly describes the band, regardless on if this is where they got their name from*. The Rolling Stones have continued for over 50 years to evolve and develop the rock & roll world, while staying true to themselves and their original band roots, overcoming things such as band turmoil, divorces, arrests, controversy, and more. The band that first started in the 60s can been seen in their clothing, their long flowing hair, and their lyrics.
*From what I’ve read and heard, the band got their name from the song “Rollin’ Stone” by Muddy Waters. This was because the band was heavily influenced by the international blues culture.
The amount of energy the Stones’ bring is incredible. I’ve never seen anyone run up and down stage like Mick Jagger. Girls were throwing their shirts on stage at him whenever he ran or danced by. One of my favourite images from the concert was seeing Ronnie Wood smoking a cigarette while playing the guitar, only sometimes removing it from his mouth to place it between his fingers while he continued to play. When he was done with it, he would simply open his mouth and let is fall to the floor. I loved the vibe of zero fucks given (sorry, mom).
For me, the energy the band brings pairs perfectly with the band’s logo, which first appeared in 1971 on the album Sticky Fingers. Apparently, the logo is an evolution of the outstuck tongue of the Hindu goddess Kali. It is so beautifully designed that without using the Stones’ name, it instantly conjures them, as well as a certain lewdness that the Stones’ own.
The blend of rhythms is also unbelievable to hear and experience. The Stones’ are known for assimilating various genres into their own music and sound. Throughout their career, they have successfully integrated rhythm-and-blues, soul, country, folk, reggae, dance, and pop and formed it into remarkable music.
Setlist for the Stones’. They played all my favourites, except “No Use In Crying.”
The only way to understand the Rolling Stones is to go and experience one of their concerts for yourself. It doesn’t matter what age you are, what country you’re from, if you like rock & roll, anything – their music has held true and steady and they are still musical icons to this day. They are also able to put on uniquely different concerts each time they perform. They had a three-show concert series here in Argentina and from what my friends and I have talked about, each night was distinctly different, yet classically Stones’. Despite the difficulties in getting to the concert (aka two trains to incorrect destinations and an ultimately long bus ride), I wouldn’t have traded anything to be able to see uno de los majors recitales de mi vida.
And, yes, I bought the shirt.
A Guest Blog by Kaylee Boyle, originally posted here.