The Rolling Stones have done it again! They’ve kicked off their highly anticipated Stones Tour ‘24 in support of their newest album, Hackney Diamonds, and, let me tell you, it’s a spectacle of rock ‘n’ roll longevity and defiance against the wear and tear of time. With Mick Jagger and Keith Richards now both octogenarians, this isn’t just another band tour—it’s a testament to the immortality of rock, fueled by decades of hits, iconic moves, and an undeniable sense of purpose. What’s most impressive? They seem determined to compete not with other bands, but only with themselves.
The Atmosphere: A Night to Remember
As the lights dimmed in Houston’s NRG Stadium on April 28, 2024, the first stop of their Stones Tour ’24, the air crackled with anticipation. Fans of all ages, from boomers to Gen Z, came together to witness the living legends that have rocked through seven decades. Jagger, Richards, Ronnie Wood, and the band’s newer members, including drummer Steve Jordan, took the stage like they owned it. (Spoiler: They did.)
Kicking off the night with the familiar three-note riff of Start Me Up, they instantly ignited the 72,000-capacity stadium. From the opening number, the energy was palpable. Jagger’s legendary swagger, somehow still intact, propelled him across the stage as if he were still in his 30s. But perhaps the greatest triumph of the night wasn’t just in the movements or the setlist but in the Stones’ ability to hold an audience spellbound—no small feat for a band that has been on the road since before some fans were even born.
The Setlist: Hits, Deep Cuts, and New Bangers
For a band that could easily coast on a “greatest hits” setlist, the Stones showed off a perfect mix of the classics and some of their latest material from Hackney Diamonds. Of the 18-song set, 14 were classic Stones hits, with the remaining four showcasing their new album.
After the high-energy opener, they dove into crowd favorites like Get Off of My Cloud and Rocks Off, creating stadium-wide sing-alongs that would bring anyone goosebumps. Beast of Burden reminded the audience of the softer side of the Stones, while Tumbling Dice kept everyone moving in sync.
But it was the introduction of newer songs that intrigued many. Their lead single Angry from Hackney Diamonds came roaring into the setlist as a modern classic-in-the-making. This was followed by Mess It Up, which had its live debut in Houston, showing that even after 60 years, the Stones are still crafting tunes that resonate. The encore was particularly stirring, featuring the spiritual, gospel-infused track Sweet Sounds of Heaven, where Jagger’s voice seemed to defy the laws of aging. Finally, as if scripted by destiny, the night ended with their 1965 megahit (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, a fitting close to a night that proved their music still delivers that very thing—satisfaction.
Stage Design: Theatrics Without Overkill
Though the Stones don’t need pyrotechnics or gaudy backdrops to capture attention, the Stones Tour ‘24 offers a clean, slick stage setup with a hint of grandeur. One standout moment came during Sympathy for the Devil when the stage transformed into a Roman temple, complete with a red backdrop that illuminated the entire stadium. It was a visual feast that complemented the sinister groove of the song perfectly, and while Jagger’s path to the mic was briefly obstructed (yes, even rock gods can trip), the band’s synchronization kept the performance tight.
Another unforgettable visual treat was during Gimme Shelter, where the haunting vocals and instrumental swells were enhanced by deep red and orange lighting, casting an almost hellish glow on the stage. Guitarist Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards’ interplay was occasionally interrupted, but when the magic clicked, it was pure gold.
For a band that has embraced the minimalist rock aesthetic, the Stones’ stage setup still manages to exude a sense of spectacle without being over the top. It’s a fine line to walk, but after all these years, the Stones have mastered it.
The Band Chemistry: Still Rocking Hard
There’s no denying that the chemistry between the remaining original members of the Stones—Mick Jagger and Keith Richards—still electrifies. But, of course, the late Charlie Watts’ absence still lingers over the proceedings. In his place, Steve Jordan has done an admirable job, selected personally by Watts before his passing. Jordan brought a harder-hitting, yet sensitive approach to the drumming that elevated tracks like Paint It Black into grand theatrical pieces.
Richards, the forever rebel, remained slightly more subdued, though his ability to crank out those iconic riffs remains undeniable. His lead vocal performance on Little T&A added a refreshing rawness to the night’s polished sound.
Ronnie Wood, often the wild card, played the role of Richards’ foil with aplomb, their guitar banter both loose and structured—a reminder that the Stones, even when riffing on decades-old material, still find joy in the music.
What Keeps Them Going?
While Mick Jagger did his usual charming act, acknowledging that the Stones first played in Texas 60 years ago, one couldn’t help but marvel at the resilience of these men. How have they managed to keep the fire alive? Is it sheer will? A Faustian bargain? Perhaps it’s something in the water (or the whiskey).
Whatever it is, the Stones have perfected the art of keeping their performances fresh. Even as they enter their 80s, they show no signs of slowing down. Unlike other legacy acts that often feel like tributes to themselves, the Stones don’t just rehash the past—they elevate it.
During Out of Time, a deep cut from their 1966 album Aftermath that had never been performed live in the U.S. before, Jagger couldn’t help but poke fun at the audience: “I don’t think you really knew it, but you get to know it,” he quipped.
It’s this kind of playful irreverence that continues to endear them to their legions of fans.
The Verdict: Still The Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band in the World?
Yes. Without a doubt.
Sure, some might argue that time is running out for The Rolling Stones, and the Stones Tour ‘24 might just be their swan song. But based on the performance in Houston, it doesn’t feel that way. The Stones are very much alive, still innovating, still rocking, and still captivating audiences around the world.
This tour is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It’s a reaffirmation of the band’s position as rock legends who aren’t quite ready to hang up their guitars just yet. If you get the chance to see them live in 2024, take it—you might just witness history being made.
