How can a Rolling Stones fan who has seen the world's greatest rock and roll band in concert over 40 times be excited about seeing the the aging rock band again?
On Friday night at the Staples Center, even with the controversy of the overpriced tickets, I was treated to two hours and twenty minutes of solid rock and roll and another memory that will remain in my heart and soul forever. It was the kick-off of their "50 and Counting" anniversary world tour.
As a former music radio DJ, I've had the unique experience of meeting the band, seeing them perform for four decades spanning three countries, I couldn't miss this historical event, even as I wondered if it would be my last time.
Speculation was abuzz all week long as to who the surprise guests would be. After all, this is Los Angeles. If Bruce Springsteen and Lady Gaga showed up in New York, someone could easily hop on stage from the audience to add to the harmonies on a tune or two.
Prior to the show, Keith Urban tweeted to his 770,000 fans:
Urban sang to the song "Respectable" from their Some Girls album. The snippet of the video clip from his performance was posted to his Twitter page and can be found here.
We also knew prior to show time that Gwen Stefani would be making a guest appearance and we were treated to her accompaniment on "Wild Horses."
The show started an hour late, possibly due to the late arrival of Jack Nicholson, a regular at the venue during the Lakers games. Nicholson received a standing ovation as he made his way to the front of the stage area.
Shortly thereafter, the UCLA Bruins Marching Band arrived for an introduction to "Satisfaction." Then one of the greatest shows began.
In a stage designed with their signature tongue, we were treated to 23 songs and a few memorable quotes:
"The only reason we're here is to make the Laker's look younger." -- Mick Jagger (referring to the concert date change due to the NBA playoffs)
"It's great to be here. It's great to be anywhere." -- Keith Richards
"Good evening L.A. Or is it really Beverly Hills, Brentwood and Santa Monica?" -- Mick Jagger (referring to the high-priced tickets)
"It's either us or the Lakers, so now you've got us. It doesn't matter to Jack Nicholson because he was coming to both of them." (Jagger's apology for the date change).
"We first played LA in 1965. Thank you for coming to see us. We really appreciate it."
Jagger ran around the stage like a Mexican jumping bean causing anyone in their 60s and 70s to feel a bit jealous of his energy.
There wasn't a fan in the crowd, who didn't feel completely satisfied from seeing the world's greatest rock and roll band.
Set list:
1.Get Off of My Cloud
2.The Last Time
3.It's Only Rock 'n'Roll
4.Paint it Black
5.Gimme Shelter
6.Wild Horses (with Gwen Stefani)
7.Factory Girl
8.Emotional Rescue.
9.Respectable (with Keith Urban)
10.Doom and Gloom
11.One More Shot
12.Honky Tonk Women
13.Before They Make Me Run
14.Happy
15.Midnight Rambler (with Mick Taylor)
16.Miss You
17.Start Me Up
18.Tumbling Dice
19.Brown Sugar
20.Sympathy for the Devil
Encore
21.You Can't Always Get What You Want (Cal State Long Beach Chamber Cole Conservatory Choir)
22.Jumpin' Jack Flash
23.Satisfaction