Two nites of Stonesfest

The legendary Rolling Stones held a two-nite concert three years ago. I was there on both evenings. Man, it was surreal. Seeing them on stage, before my very eyes put me in awe. The legacy of the Stones had grown into mythical proportions since 1964 or rather, over the last five decades. Deep down, I was not just watching a rock concert. The 8,000 odd crowd on both evenings were there to witness a piece of rock history.

The Stones were back in Singapore after 38 years, now, a quartet since the departure of original bassist Bill Wyman in 1993. They brought along a four-piece horn section, a keyboardist, a bassist, and three backup singers to give Singapore a taste of rock and roll heaven.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ron Wood rocked the house down with an infectious energy that belied their age. Except for Wood, the baby of the band at 56 then, the rest are 60 and above. Not even when one saw close-ups of their weary faces on the giant screen behind them. Jagger pranced around with the exuberance of a man half his age. Richards and Wood were the epitome of coolness as they strummed classic rock riffs with consummate ease and great showmanship. Watts kept the beat strong and steady with ease and little frills.

The back catalogue of famous songs came fast and furious. "Let It Bleed," "Gimme Shelter," "Sympathy For The Devil," "Midnight Rambler," "Street Fighting Man," "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," "Start Me Up," "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Honky Tonk Woman" were all churned out. Their new song then, "Don't Stop," arguably their best thing for quite awhile, sounded great. "Sympathy For The Devil" didn't sound quite menacing after all. "Let It Bleed" became a breezy country number while "Street Fighting Man" came close to being feel-good. The only raunchy thing that reminded everyone of their bad boy sex-drugs-and-rock-and-roll past was during the song "Honky Tonk Woman". The video screen showed some animation of a topless manga woman riding the infamous tongue.

The Rolling Stones have become an excellent feel-good rock and roll band. Boy, did I feel good after this unforgettable two-nite spectacle of rock and roll! Ronnie Wood even gave me his packet of cigarettes.