Relics. Has-beens. Dinosaurs. At this point in their decades-long career, the Rolling Stones have been called many things. But don’t forget one very important one: The World’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band.
It’s hard to argue with Bob Dylan and Rolling Stone magazine, both of which have made that claim. Plus there’s the fact Jann Wenner’s magazine was named at least in part for Mick, Keith and the boys. Of course, with band members inching ever closer to their 80s, that’s no longer the case, right?
Not so fast. The Rolling Stones’ latest recording, a two-CD and DVD set documenting the 2012/13 concert tour, showcases a veteran band that’s truly never been better. GRRR Live! features a bountiful roster of hits (of course), a coterie of guest stars (ditto), and Charlie Watts’ last go-round (sigh). But what might not be expected is the passion, ferocity and power the group exhibits from the get-go.
Highlights are many. The best guest spots are by Bruce Springsteen on “Tumbling Dice” and ex-Stone Mick Taylor on “Midnight Rambler,” though that’s not to discount the Black Keys, John Mayer or Lady Gaga. The late Bobby Keys joins in for his solo on “Miss You” and the backing band – bassist Daryl Jones, keyboardist Chuck Leavell, Tim Ries on sax and keyboards, and vocalists Lisa Fischer and Bernard Fowler – provides plenty of musical muscle.
Of course, the potent sting of the Stones is what people are at the show for, and they deliver. From “Get Off My Cloud” through “The Last Time,” “It’s Only Rock and Roll” and “Paint It Black” – no other act can match that opening salvo – the band reminds us that this is the Rolling Stones.
Sure, time has dulled the sense of surprise and discovery for fans cueing up “Satisfaction” for the millionth time, but the band still has it. They’re not merely going through the motions. They may no longer be angry young men, but neither are Graham Parker and Elvis Costello. The 26 tracks from the DVD (24 on the two CDs) showcase a group that, impossible as it seems, is still at the top of its game. Where fellow veterans Tower of Power are impossibly tight, the Rolling Stones are refreshingly loose.
Now, despite the fact this is a new release, the performances encapsulated on GRRR Live! are indeed a decade old. The stars of the show, those that are still with us, are 10 years older today than seen and heard here. So the Rolling Stones really are over, right? Their title can pass on to someone else, don’t you think?
Well, maybe – though I don’t know who. What I do know is that whether in their 40s, 60, 70s or even moving into their 80s, I wouldn’t bet against the Rolling Stones.
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