The Rolling Stones were established in 1962, and they have not lost a thing. I first saw them in 1988, but not again until this June 3 with their visit to zip code 55455 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. From Steel Wheels to zippers, the music is as timeless and their performance as dazzling as it ever was. Their show at TCF Bank Stadium came two weeks to the day before their upcoming performance at LP Field. Nothing I say here can spoil a thing in a show you have to see to believe.
In an age where many younger bands such as Pearl Jam play for three hours or more (also a standard show for a vet like Bruce Springsteen), the Rolling Stones do as they have always done with the ‘rock concert standard’ historically of about two hours. But it is two hours of classic Stones that you expect, with no dilution, and nothing done any less than 100%. You become so absorbed in the music that you are exhausted by the end, with front man Mick Jagger holding an audience as few ever have.
There is a huge set with fiber optic screens to each side of the stage with another screen behind them. But it is not pretentious or superfluous. The screens at each side will feature the Zip Code Tour logo with the city name below it before the show, a nice feature for photos to document the event. No special cameras are allowed of course, but a Smartphone does just fine. Extending from the stage is a runway that goes maybe 100 feet into the audience, where Mick frequently interacts. Let me tell you, Mick has lost nothing when it comes to dances and gestures to the music.
The set list began with ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash,’ featuring a pair from guitarist Keith Richards on lead vocals in the middle. Then they showcased some selections from their legendary album Sticky Fingers just re-released in several formats on June 9, and had a two-song encore with a fireworks display. There were 19 songs in all. Studying recent set lists, probably 10-12 are common to each show including the encore selections, which have been standard, with the other 8-10 played coming from quite an extensive list throughout their entire career.
Expect to hear classics you know by heart, and some deep tracks, which will be a special treat for more serious aficionados. Also posted on their official website the day before the show is a list of songs where fans can vote on the one they most want to hear. The one with the most votes is then performed in the show. Minneapolis chose ‘Bitch’ from Sticky Fingers.
Opening the Minneapolis show was the indie rock performer Grace Potter, who also did guest vocals on ‘Gimme Shelter.’ This is a staple, with different guest vocalists each time—maybe Carrie Underwood in Nashville? The encore consists of ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ featuring a local youth choir, and always ends with ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.’
The Nashville show is June 17 at LP Field with special guest Brad Paisley who will be premiering some new material with a more Southern rock sound. Below is the set list from Minneapolis, only suggesting what you may hear. If you are fortunate enough to go, you will never forget it!
‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’
‘It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)’
‘All Down the Line’
‘Tumbling Dice’
‘Doom and Gloom’
‘Bitch’
‘Moonlight Mile’
‘Out of Control’
‘Honky Tonk Women’
‘Before They Make Me Run’ (Richards vocal)
‘Happy’ (Richards vocal)
‘Midnight Rambler’
‘Miss You’
‘Gimme Shelter’
‘Start Me Up’
‘Sympathy for the Devil’
‘Brown Sugar’
‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ (encore)
‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ (encore)
