The Rolling Stones
started out in an Ealing rhythm and blues
club in 1962, and by the release of their
fourth chart topping single 'Satisfaction'
in 1965, they had become the world's number
one rock 'n' roll band, and with just
the odd glitch along the way that is where
they have remained for the last forty
years. When their fortieth anniversary
loomed, meetings were held to decide how
to celebrate this amazing feat. A greatest
hits album was conjured up, aptly titled
'Forty Licks', and a world tour was organized.
It was decided to give the tour a twist.
As well as the usual stadium concerts
they would squeeze in as many arena and
theatre concerts. The idea was such a
success - and the boys were enjoying themselves
so much - that the tour kept on getting
extended and extended. The Stones packed
out everywhere they played, appearing
before 500,000 people at a festival in
Toronto, and as little as 3,500 at the
London Astoria.
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In New York and London they did all
three sorts of concerts, giving their
fans the opportunity to see the band in
whatever environment they chose. Each
set list was tailored to fit the size
of concert and which country they were
in.
This 4 DVD box set showcases the ambitious
concept of the 'Licks 2202/2003 World
Tour'. Three dramatically different shows
on three different stages, with three
different productions, and three different
set lists. Only three songs make it onto
each set list with 'Jumpin' Jack Flash'
bringing the set to a rousing climax every
night. 'Brown Sugar' and 'Honky Tonk Woman'
making it every night. Of the three DVD's
devoted to each separate concert you get
the excitement of an arena concert at
New York's legendary Madison Square Garden;
the giant spectacle of London's Twickenham
Stadium; and the intimacy of the historic
Olympia Theatre in Paris. In all over
fifty songs spread over the four DVD's,
over nine hours of the Rolling Stones.
Not once does the entertainment level
drop below eleven.
The first DVD is a collection of enlightening
documentaries about the tour, plus a selection
of bonus tracks that did not make it onto
the set lists of the following concerts.
Each concert has special guest appearances
and features such as backstage passes,
commentaries from the band themselves,
and select-a-Stone feature where you can
be your own director and follow the progress
of your favorite Stone for several songs.
The Stones are in amazing form, and have
way too much energy than is right for
people coming to the end of their sixth
decade.
The dapper Charlie Watts is precision
itself throughout, plus he is hilarious
during the documentaries.
Ron Wood plays some blistering solos,
always being the perfect foil to the other
guitarist. Ron Wood has been a Rolling
Stone for thirty years now, but is still
considered to be the new boy. Maybe because
more than 90% of the songs played at these
concerts were originally written and recorded
before Ron Wood joined the band.
Sir Mick Jagger is a mass of endless
energy and is still the best front man
in rock 'n' roll. During the first DVD
you get the impression that Mick Jagger
still thinks of himself as leader of the
band, but clearly there are two others
who indulge him, but still pull their
own strings.
Star of the show is Keef Richards, the
original rock 'n' roll riff master, spraying
Chuck Berry riffs from his guitar on the
rockers, taking 'Satisfaction' on different
journeys when the mood takes him, and
playing the blues as only he can. Keith
Richards’ solo spots each night
not only give the show an added depth,
but are always a highlight.
There are too many other musical highlights
to mention in one review (well, possibly
the truly amazing version of 'Midnight
Rambler', as the band and audience seemed
to enjoy this particular number so much,
it is hard to fathom why The song is not
played every night). I will finish by
listing down what you get for your money.
No, I cannot forgive them either for
not turning up in Bangkok, but do not
cut off your nose to spite your face;
this is a very fine collection. Take the
money you got on your refunded ticket
and spend it on ‘Forty Flicks’.
Pawed by Mott the Dog
Licked by Ella Crew
E-mail:
review@mott-the-dog.com
