The Rolling Stones showed last night (21.08.07) why, despite their advancing years they are still the greatest rock band in the world.
British guitarist Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones performs on stage during a concert at Valle Hovin Stadium in Oslo, Norway, 08 August 2007. EPA/SOLUM STIAN LYSBERG NORWAY OUT
The band put on a blistering performance at London's O2 arena that had fans - young, old and very old - out of their seats and rocking from the very first power chord.
The show - the first of three hometown concerts - was the culmination of the band's two-year 'A Bigger Bang' tour.
Being back in London was not lost on the band - who have a combined age of 253 - who started their life playing the pubs and clubs of Richmond, south-west London.
Frontman Sir Mick Jagger, 64, told the crowd: "It's taken us 40 years to get from Twickenham to Greenwich!"
Opening with 'Start Up' the band had the thousands in attendance on their feet, before launching into a handful of new numbers, including 'Rough Justice' and 'You Got Me Rocking'.
At one point, the band paid homage to late soul legend James Brown performing a cover of his song 'I Go Crazy'.
Introducing the track, Mick said: "We'd like to pay tribute to a man who is an inspiration to us all, Mr. James Brown."
During the middle of the set, guitarist Keith Richards, 63, took over vocal duties from Mick and showed his rebellious streak lives on by blatantly flaunting the new UK smoking ban during 'Hold On'.
Keith was not the only Stone to ignore the ban. Fellow guitarist Ronnie Wood puffed away throughout the show.
The Stones then gave their fans the hits they came to hear, kicking off with a blistering rendition of 'It's Only Rock And Roll', which was released in 1974.
Part of their success in large venues is their ability to make everyone present feel close to the band's heat energy and magic.
Jagger, in particular, runs all over the stage to its furthest corners so he can engage with the crowd.
Their engagement was spectacularly displayed when the concert stage - with the band prancing on it - cut a swathe through the crowd slowly moving through it like a ship and ending up in the middle of the arena.
The band, now facing the back of the arena, then launched into 'Satisfaction' quickly followed by 'Honky Tonk Women'.
They finished with an incredible version of 'Sympathy For The Devil', 'Paint It Black' and 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' before closing with 'Brown Sugar'.
While the band may not have found the elixir of youth they have certainly discovered how the magic of rock can keep everyone young.
(C) BANG Media International
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