60 years of the Rolling Stones, 75 years of Ron Wood – the Rolling Stones had a lot to celebrate at the start of the European tour in Madrid as part of the “Sixty” tour. The “Krone” was there live when Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Co. once again set the standards in old age by which everyone else has to be measured. You can really expect great things from the Vienna concert on July 15 in the Ernst Happel Stadium.
As early as midday, the most loyal fans were waiting in the sweltering heat in front of the entrance of Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium to get the best seats for their heroes very last is. So it fits well that “band baby” Ron Wood is celebrating his 75th birthday this Wednesday – no longer old for rock ‘n’ roll, which is celebrating 60 years of the Rolling Stones on the “Sixty” tour. Den Rock’n’Roll = Rolling Stones, the simplest mathematical equation. The “Krone” was there live at the start of the European tour and, like the other 53,000 fans, was surprised by the joy of playing, energy and accuracy of fit of the compositions. Wonders of nature In the advanced retirement age, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Co. are doing better than they have for a long time more and not only celebrate fireworks of hits like “Paint It Black”, “Sympathy For The Devil” or “Satisfaction” for a good 135 minutes, but also deliver many surprises. For example, “Out Of Time”, which was played live for the first time ever and whose origins date back to 1966. The latest single, the reggae-heavy Living In A Ghost Town, is a secret set highlight, with Jagger, sporting his usual boyish sports figure, enchantingly directing the audience. In general, the interaction. Woods, celebrated with a rain of confetti and “Happy Birthday” chants, strides across the stage with a permanent grin, Richard’s guitar is deliberately tuned loud and hits the core. Jagger himself doesn’t seem to have aged a day in at least the last 20 years. A miracle of nature. The “band sir” Charlie Watts, who tragically died last August, is honored right at the beginning with a melancholy review on the large video screens. Before “Sad Sad Sad,” Jagger reiterates in impeccable Spanish that the band misses their old friend dearly. Successor Steve Jordan brings a strong portion of power and a massive coat of paint into the set, which is particularly evident in powerful numbers such as “Miss You” or the popular song “Beast Of Burden”. There are no weaknesses to be found, even if the first songs don’t quite bring the drive that picks up speed from “Tumbling Dice”. But then it’s off to the autobahn without a break. “Honky Tonk Women”, “Start Me Up”, “Paint It Black” and a towering, darkly mystical version of “Midnight Rambler” ensure collective cheers.Alien ConstitutionThe obligatory Keith Richards songs “Happy” and “Slipping Away” sound crooked as usual, otherwise the Stones machine seems more vital and oiled than it has been for a few years or months before the 80th birthdays of the two band bosses. Last but not least, the hit revue that spans all decades is a strong sign of life for the big stadium shows that have been sorely missed in the last two years. But Jagger leaves no room for nostalgia or sentiment on this evening. He dances down the opulent catwalk in different outfits and shines from the first second. One wants to defend oneself against the well-worn phrase “old as good wine”, but cannot fight it. The Rolling Stones are actually at their zenith in the 1960s. An extraterrestrial experience right now. “There will never be a Stones ‘farewell tour’. This one is just a new chapter,” says show designer Patrick Woodroffe in the press conference before the gig. He has been working with the British for 40 years and is also responsible for the current stage design. 55 meters high, 17 meters wide, a total of 400 square meters of video screens. “There are already a lot of big rock shows these days. Above all, it is important to convey the right feeling. Everyone must be comfortable. In the end, of course, the music is the heart of the show, but in the stadium, the look and the visuals have to match as well.” Important legacy Working with the Rolling Stones is still very special for Woodroffe, even after four decades. Sometimes also because the conditions have become more difficult in many respects. “Everything is much more difficult to manage due to Brexit, the associated visa and logistics problems and the pandemic, which cost us personnel and material.” . “Of course there is a difference if you only place three instead of four stones in the center. But it was also important to us to celebrate Charlie’s legacy and pay tribute to him in a fitting way.” Ray Winkler, CEO of Stufish, has worked with the Rolling Stones since 1989. The trained architect also designs and plans stages for U2, Queen and Genesis and was responsible for the design of the new ABBAtar hall in London. The working relationship with the Stones is Winkler’s longest, and the creative exchange of ideas between the band and the architects still fascinates him to this day. “You have to have a good understanding of the artistic and philosophical aspects. The Rolling Stones are a clear brand and from there it’s all about reinventing yourself.” Military Operation Of course the Stones move with the times, but you never let technology take over, you use it to support you. A significant difference to many younger acts in the pop and rock segment. “We’re in constant communication,” explains Winkler, “we’re a big team and every cog has to play a part. For the stagehands, a Stones tour is almost like a military operation. You do everything very precisely, quickly and with a lot of love.” Setting up the “Sixty” Tour stage takes between three and twelve hours – depending on the exercise. They rehearsed in a hangar in England beforehand, but as every stadium on the tour has different requirements, setting it up is a new adventure every time. The band only approached Winkler on December 17, 2021, so it didn’t stay until the final design once half a year. A more than sporting affair. “For the band, flexibility is paramount. As the infrastructure changes in every city they perform in, you have to adapt.” The catwalk, which meanders from the stage towards the fans, is 32 meters long. In the course of a concert, Mick Jagger covers an estimated 20 to 30 football field lengths – of course dancing lasciviously and with a good voice. Not bad for a soon to be 79-year-old. Winkler is mesmerized by the band’s physical energy. “It’s still a privilege for all of us to be a part of. The Stones have been on the road for 60 years and have made their stand from scratch. They’ve set the standards for more than a generation.” If the Stones can hold onto their form from the start of the tour, the rest of the music world can hold on. On July 15, Jagger, Richards and Co. can finally be seen again in Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium. In any case, you can be prepared for something! Tickets and all other information are available at www.oeticket.com.
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