What could possibly be better than seeing The Rolling Stones in concert? Finding out that Gary Clark Jr. just so happens to be the opening act. A legend in the making, the blues virtuoso was a late addition to the bill at San Diego’s Petco Park. He welcomed the sell-out crowd of 42,000+ with a 45-minute set of guitar sorcery accompanied by his seductive vocal range. Later he would add a scorching yet tasteful touch to the Sticky Fingers burner, “Bitch” (watch fan-shot footage here). The Stones don’t let just anyone on their stage.
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Launching their U.S. Tour, the production was more stripped down than those in the past. A runway into the crowd and fireworks during the “Satisfaction” encore were the biggest indulgences. The Stones are inevitably a spectacle, but the music now takes greater precedence. After a pair of warm-up songs, the locomotive began to churn on “All Down the Line.” Anyone who doubts the prowess of this 53-year-old band clearly hasn’t seen them recently. These men epitomize the “age is only a number” cliche. A 2015 Stones performance connects a chord all the way back to their roots. This is raw rock ‘n roll power washing over a mass of humanity. The emotional impact upon their legions of fans is immeasurable.
Bearing witness to Mick Jagger in the flesh, one might wonder if they are in the presence of an alien life form. He’s almost too sublime to be human. Tapped in to a boundless source of agility, his energy output extends beyond logical comprehension. He and the band both gain momentum as the 140-minute set unfolds. His sexual magnetism is off the charts; manifested through hypnotic dance moves, defiant swagger, vocal acrobatics and an array of alluring attire. Suddenly he reminds you that he’s a blues harmonica assassin on “Midnight Rambler” and a guitar is anything but a prop. His English charm serves him well when connecting with the audience through warm, amusing banter.
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The other three veterans can’t shine as bright; no one can; but each has enough character to form their own solar system. The years have been the kindest to Charlie Watts. Locking down the groove on his minimalist drum kit, he’s notoriously stoic. Thus it’s all the more special when he breaks into a huge grin as he did watching Ronnie Wood solo on “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’.” You don’t realize until seeing the band live what a stud Wood is. His succulent, sinuous tone sliced through the cool evening air with disarming authority. His childlike enthusiasm is evidence that he’s having more fun than anyone. Then there’s the old pirate Keith Richards who comes across as tired and bewildered, but still full of piss and vinegar. He doesn’t provide any “wow” moments on guitar, but you can count on his grungy, chunky tone providing a snarling rhythmic counterpoint. His lead vocals on “Before They Make Me Run” were an unexpected treat.
Tenor saxophonist Karl Denson is the new kid on the block, stepping into the big shoes of the late Bobby Keys. It is apparent this music requires him to summon an alternate scope of his abilities. His glow resonated across the stadium during the signature “Brown Sugar” solo. Tim Ries had a healthy share of opportunities to contribute on alto and baritone sax. He even added French horn to the gorgeous “Can’t Always Get What You Want” encore. Sanctified by the Cal State Long Beach Choir, this fan favorite was cathartic to the core.
While the big four get most of the attention, every musician on stage is integral to the whole. Bassist Darryl Jones is no wallflower, keeping things funky while challenging his bandmates. He laid it down thick on “Miss You.” Longtime keyboardist Chuck Leavell exudes an angelic aura and infuses every crevice with melodic nuance. The harmonies of backup singers Lisa Fischer and Bernard Fowler add layers of soul throughout. The highlight of the show had to be “Gimme Shelter.” Fischer strutted to the front of the stage and brought the house down. Voice stretching to the heavens, she unleashed the haunting chorus along with a torrential downpour of emotion. No matter how many years go by, these songs and the band that sings them only grow more potent with time.
Words and images by Tyler Blue