(Houston) Time passes and all good things come to an end. But don’t tell that to the Rolling Stones.
What many consider to be the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world showed no signs of slowing down anytime soon as they kicked off their latest tour Sunday night at Houston’s NRG Stadium.
The Stones have been touring for over 60 years. Singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards are both 80, and guitarist Ronnie Wood isn’t far behind at 76. Their tour is sponsored in part by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
But during a vibrant two-hour show, the Stones played with the energy of a band touring for the first time.
“It’s great to be back in the Lone Star State,” Jagger said to the packed stadium, filled with longtime fans, many of whom wore faded concert shirts from previous tours.
Jagger often strutted around the stage with seemingly boundless energy, while Richards and Wood played guitar riffs well known and beloved by fans. Jagger often led the audience in chants.
“The energy level is high and it always is with them. The age doesn’t show,” Stones production manager Dale Skjerseth said Friday before the concert.
The Stones hit the road to support the release of their latest album, Hackney Diamondsthe band’s first record of original music since 2005.
Houston was the first stop on a 16-city tour across the United States and Canada. The only stop planned in Canada is in Vancouver on July 5.
During the eighteen-song concert on Sunday, the Stones played several tracks from the new album, including the lead single Angry. They also played classics like Sympathy for the Devil, Gimmer Shelter, Honky Tonk Women And Start Me Up.
After playing Beast of BurdenJagger said the Houston audience voted to include it in the list of songs performed.
“You can’t go wrong with that,” a man in the audience shouted.
The Stones also played a few unexpected songs, including Rocks Offfrom their 1972 double album Exile on Main St.And Out of Timea 1966 song that Jagger said during the concert had never been performed by the band in the United States.
Since the death of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, the Stones are down to the core trio of Jagger, Richards and Wood. On Sunday, they were accompanied by various musicians, including two keyboard players, a new drummer, backing vocalists and a horn section.