The question of the night loomed over the proceedings with well over 50,000 packed into NRG Stadium: Can a band — all members over the age of 70 — still rock a huge crowd?
The answer: yes.
The Rolling Stones are well past their expiration date and defiantly so. They have been a going concern for over 50 years, the former rivals to The (freaking) Beatles and have assuredly turned their many hits into becoming the biggest band in the world, no questions asked. At this point, they are only on the road to prove they can outdo any young band that might think they can take on their mantle.
Lead singer Mick Jagger recently had heart valve replacement surgery, and he even acknowledged the postponement of the show that was supposed to be months ago, apologizing, in saying that he “f*cked everyone’s plans.” Drummer Charlie Watts is 78 years old, Ronnie Wood looks way better than he should, and Keith Richards, well, he is still walking.
Jokes aside, the Stones almost thrive on these thoughts to make converts anew, something they've been doing for decades. This was one helluva show and one that the Bayou City won't soon forget.
After a set by Bishop Gunn that would have made Black Crowes fans happy, the Stones came out to "Jumpin' Jack Flash," the 1968 hit that still had the resonant, exciting charge as the day it was released. A huge bank of video screens mostly focused on the big four — Jagger, Richards, (Ronnie) Wood, and Watts — and showed that they still had the goods. Any concerns that Mick would be able to give his nimble best were destroyed as he pranced across the huge stage, his iconic moves still as vibrant as ever.
Between songs, Jagger alluded to their history at NRG Stadium, noting that they were the first band to ever play the venue after it opened in 2002. Later, he pointed out it had been 55 years since they had first played Houston, a mind-boggling fact to anyone born years after their start.
Fans of all ages showed their approval for their biggest songs — “Let’s Spend the Night Together,” a killer “Sympathy for the Devil,” and “Paint It Black” was everything and more that a fan could expect.
Significantly changing the setlist up from earlier in the tour made a statement and kept the audience on their toes. The early ’80s hit, "Start Me Up," that launched the modern Stones was a welcome addition. “Brown Sugar” and its extended jam closed out a killer first set.
The Stones pulled off the perfect one-two shot encore with the mind-blowing “Gimme Shelter,” back-up singer Sasha Allen stealing the spotlight. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” had the entire stadium up and dancing, proving that good songs can never die, that people will continue to pay to see one of the most legendary acts to ever take the stage.
Setlist
"Jumpin' Jack Flash"
"Let's Spend The Night Together"
"Tumbling Dice"
"Out of Control"
"Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)"
"You Can't Always Get What You Want"
"Sweet Virginia"
"Dead Flowers"
"Sympathy For The Devil"
"Honky Tonk Women"
"Slipping Away"
"Before They Make Me Run"
"Miss You"
"Midnight Rambler"
"Paint It Black"
"Start Me Up"
"Brown Sugar"
Encore:
"Gimme Shelter"
"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"
Jagger poses with Ronnie Wood.
