The Rolling Stones thrill in long-awaited return to the Valley of the Sun

From left, The Rolling Stones' guitarist Ronnie Wood, drummer
Charlie  Watts, singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards.

Few of us can remember a time when there was a world without The Rolling Stones.

That doesn't mean rock music lovers take the existence of one of the planet's greatest ever rock 'n' roll bands for granted.

Earlier this year the group's "No Filter Tour" was postponed when singer Mick Jagger, 76, had to undergo a heart valve replacement procedure. That was the latest in a long series of bona fide challenges dating back to the death of original guitarist/founding member Brian Jones in July 1969. Indeed, the band's original keyboardist Ian Stewart had a heart attack and died in December 1985; founding bassist Bill Wyman left the band in 1993 (to be replaced by "unofficial" bassist Daryl Jones), and drummer Charlie Watts was diagnosed with throat cancer (which was treated with radiotherapy and is currently in remission) in June 2004.

Mick Jagger, left, and Keith Richards at State Farm Stadium.
Photo: Kim Kinsler

Performing in front of a packed crowd at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Monday night (Aug. 26, 2019), the legendary troupe came armed with their enduring signature blend of blues, rock, folk and Americana and freewheeling approach that has won them acclaim since busting out of the burgeoning London, England music scene in the summer of 1962. And make no mistake - Jagger appeared as fit and trim as ever, and his voice remains a thing of wonder able to hit the notes he reached five decades ago.

Drummer Charlie Watts, and guitarists Ronnie Wood and
Keith Richards performing on August 26, 2019.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

To be sure The Rolling Stones (whose official line-up includes Jagger, Watts, and guitarists Keith Richards, guitarist Ronnie Wood) have embarked on frequent tours over the years, this concert at the home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals was the troupe's first performance in the greater Phoenix area in more than a decade. Few would argue the band's commanding and inspired performance was worth the wait.

Mick Jagger, left, dueling with Ronnie Wood while drummer
Charlie Watts keeps time behind his kit.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Following a wonderfully loose performance of "Tumbling Dice," Jagger proclaimed: "It's great to be back in the sun. Who else would come to Arizona in August?"

The Rolling Stones had opened the show minutes earlier with their 1968 hit "Jumpin' Jack Flash." It was the first of 19 classic cuts the band would unleash, each offering a myriad of reasons to celebrate this night. 

Keith Richards, left, with bassist Daryl Jones.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Here are some of the standout moments from the two-hour performance:

• "Tumbling Dice" offered an early chance for Jagger to journey out onto the floor via a long elevated ramp to sing, dance and spur the crowd to get into the festive atmosphere. The song's triumphant ending celebrated the talents of the band and a talented touring group of singers and musicians.
• While the majority of songs performed in Glendale came from the Stones' '60s and '70s albums, fans of their more recent material were treated to "Sad Sad Sad" from 1989's outstanding Steel Wheels LP. It was a straight-up rocker and featured some of Richards' most rousing and exciting lead guitar work of the night.
• An intimate mini-set featuring Jagger, Richards, Watts and Wood performed out at the end of the ramp positioned on the floor. A countrified blues version of "Sweet Virginia" and rootsy take on "Dead Flowers" were magical.
• A wonderful detour featuring Richards on lead vocals included the acoustic gem "You Got The Silver," with Wood's shining slide work bolstering the track. A decidedly more rocking take on the Some Girls favorite "Before They Make Me Run" followed.
• During the opening moments of "Symphony for the Devil," Jagger came out to stage in a green glitter-adorned jacket complete with tails and a stylish hat and twirled a number of times to the delight of the crowd.
• The Stones only played one disco-flavored track on this night, but it was a great one. The extended take on "Miss You" not only found Jagger playing guitar but singing in a high-flying falsetto that drew resounding cheers from the entire crowd. The classic also found Jones impressing with his cunning skills on the bass guitar.
• It's easy to forget that the Stones were originally rooted in blues. That changed in an instant when the group tore through an incredible version of "Midnite Rambler," complete with Jagger playing some fiery blues harp.
• Few fans left the concert early, so the majority of concertgoers were rewarded with a potent two-song encore including a marathon-length reading of "Gimme Shelter" where Jagger brought singer Sasha Allen out and the two nailed the emotive peaks of the song. Finally, the band closed things out with their most iconic hit, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," elevating a special night to even greater heights.

While there are few guarantees in life, this is one Rolling Stones fan hoping there is at least one more tour in their future.


Editor's Note: The Rolling Stones have rescheduled their final show of the "No Filter Tour" at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to Friday, August 30, 2019 in the wake of the news about the arrival of Hurricane Dorian.


Review by Robert Kinsler

Mick Jagger in Glendale, AZ.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The Rolling Stones - 'No Filter Tour' setlist at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ on Monday, August 26, 2019

"Jumpin' Jack Flash"

"Let's Spend the Night Together"

"Tumbling Dice"

"Sad Sad Sad"

"Get Off of My Cloud"

"You Can't Always Get What You Want"

B-Stage/Acoustic set

"Sweet Virginia"

"Dead Flowers"

"Sympathy for the Devil"

"Honky Tonk Women"

"You Got the Silver"

"Before They Make Me Run"

"Miss You"

"Midnight Rambler"

"Paint It Black"

"Start Me Up"

"Brown Sugar"

Encore

"Gimme Shelter"

"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"