Live Review: Rolling Stones - Anfield Stadium, Liverpool 09/06/2022
Start them up, they never stop: The Rolling Stones prove they are still the greatest rock and roll band with a stellar night at Anfield.
Jagger, Richards and co delivered an impeccable set of classic hits with a rip-roaring rock show masterclass in Liverpool.
Walking along Anfield Road, there was a tangible sense in the air that this was going to be a special night. The Rolling Stones' highly anticipated SIXTY tour is a triumph of their 60 years in the music business. Featuring original members Mick Jagger and Keith Richards along with long-standing member Ronnie Wood, this show was the first UK performance without original drummer Charlie Watts.
The night began with a tight and passionate support set from local heroes Echo & the Bunnymen. Ian McCulloch was clearly emotionally touched by the occasion, telling stories of his youth in the Kop. Now performing at the iconic stadium, Echo & the Bunnymen, crafted a lush and detailed soundscape of 80s chorus drenched nostalgia. The set ender The Killing Moon was particularly powerful, proving their worth as a stadium act. “I can’t believe we’re opening for the Stones” … I can.
A mere 45 minutes later, the Rolling Stones stepped out onto the stage to an incredible roar. The show began with an emotional tribute to Charlie Watts, who died last August at the age of 80. Then suddenly those first few chords of Street Fighting Man blazed out around Anfield Stadium, like a raging beehive blaring out of the sound system. You could just tell this was going to be an iconic night.
Jagger performed with frenetic energy, showcasing all his iconic gryating moves, leaving you questioning how is he 78? He literally sounds the same as the records, maybe it was an elaborate Abba-style hologram… or maybe he simply is the greatest frontman around.
Personal highlights during the set included the romping ‘Tumbling Dice’, the bonafide singalong classic ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ and the rock odyssey ‘Midnight Rambler’ which lasted for about 10 minutes but was so incredibly powerful and emotionally orchestrated it left you wanting even more. I also especially enjoyed the Keith Richard’s fronted ‘You Got The Silver’, showcasing the band's roots in acoustic delta blues and slide guitar.
Speaking of Richard’s, he is easily the coolest man in the world, strutting up and down the stage, telecaster in hand, delivering the riffs to Start Me Up, Paint It Black and Satisfaction like a rock God. I’m sure Keith will still be here long after I’m dead, plucking those riffs, and still cooler than anyone.
Ronnie Wood was also on form, playing some blazing solos during Miss You and Midnight Rambler. Even without Charlie Watts, the Stones were still as ramshackle as you want them to be. With Steve Jordan behind the kit, it just simply felt right, with his own fills helping anchor the wayward Stones’ anatomy.
A unique moment was the cover of the Lennon and McCartney 1963 hit ‘I Wanna Be Your Man’. “Since we’re in Liverpool …” Jagger drawled. I’d argue the Stones are the only band who can get away with a Beatles cover in Merseyside.
As the night darkened, the forceful and beautiful track ‘Gimme Shelter’ nearly brought me to tears. Here I am in the most famous stadium, listening to the greatest band, play one of the greatest songs ever composed. I may be a little biased, but hearing Jagger’s rasping vocal, Richard’s and Wood’s gnarly guitars and the soaring lead of Sasha Allen, delivering the iconic Merry Clayton sky-high vocal with ease, it was hard not to be overwhelmed by the occasion.
No other band quite rocks like the Rolling Stones. Even earning an Anfield roar of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ at the end of the night. Here’s to the next 60 years of the greatest rock band.
Words by Euan Blackman
