The Rolling Stones Set the Stage on Fire at Houston’s NRG Stadium

Octogenarians Mick Jagger and Keith Richards Lead the Charge

The Rolling Stones commenced their highly anticipated ’24 Hackney Diamonds tour with a spectacular show at Houston’s NRG Stadium on Sunday. Displaying an enduring vitality that defies their age, the band’s awe-inspiring performance was nothing short of a Faustian bargain. Led by octogenarians Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the Stones treated the crowd to an epic two-hour set featuring eighteen electrifying tracks that effortlessly filled the colossal stadium.

A Dazzling Evening of Stadium-Sized Anthems

Jumping straight into action, the band kickstarted the evening with their iconic hit, “Start Me Up.” The crowd instantly erupted into a frenzy as Jagger, with the grace of a ballerina and the vigor of a young rock star, commanded the stage. Davis’ searing guitar solo flawlessly complemented Richards’ robust riffs throughout the performance. The energy soared as the Stones unleashed fan favorites like “Get Off of My Cloud” and “Rocks Off,” exuding an elegant fusion of grandeur and a touch of sleazy decadence.

Unveiling Deep Cuts and New Diamonds

The setlist wasn’t solely composed of roof-raising hits, as the Stones delighted the audience with lesser-known gems like “Out of Time,” receiving a spirited singalong that showcased the crowd’s dedication. Displaying their hip musicality, three tracks from their latest album, Hackney Diamonds, namely, “Angry,” “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” and “Mess It Up,” received a rapturous reception as the band proved their ability to fuse modernity with their signature bawdy blues-rock roots.

Ace Touring Band Driving the Show

Providing the foundation for an exceptional show, the Stones’ extraordinary touring band, prominently featuring drummer Steve Jordan and bassist Darryl Jones, maintained a precise and urgent pulse throughout the night. This allowed Jagger the freedom to continuously captivate the crowd, while Wood and Richards added their artistic flavor with their dynamic and fluid performances. Richards proved his vocal prowess during a raucous rendition of “Little T&A,” a highlight from their classic album Tattoo You that had not been played live since 2016.

A Setlist to Remember and the Ever-Growing Resonance

The band, known for their theatrical prowess, crescendoed into the evening with their sinful anthem “Sympathy for the Devil,” featuring a mesmerizing Roman temple stage design that left the crowd in awe. Realizing their immense catalog of hits, the Stones unleashed a marathon of crowd-pleasers in the second half of the show, including “Gimme Shelter,” “Honky Tonk Women,” “Miss You,” “Paint It Black,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” The crowd remained at a fever pitch until the curtain fell and the house lights illuminated the stadium.

A Celebration of the Undying Rock ‘n’ Roll Spirit

As the Rolling Stones embarked on their ’24 Hackney Diamonds Tour, the band showcased their timeless artistry, proving there’s no expiration date for their rock ‘n’ roll spectacle. Continually surpassing expectations and endlessly pushing boundaries, the Stones have redefined the possibilities for a rock band. And with no competition in sight, their legend continues to unfold, one show at a time.

The Rolling Stones – 4/28/24 – NRG Stadium Setlist:

1. “Start Me Up”
2. “Get Off of My Cloud”
3. “Rocks Off”
4. “Out of Time”
5. “Angry”
6. “Beast of Burden”
7. “Mess It Up” (live debut)
8. “Tumbling Dice”
9. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
10. “Little T&A”
11. “Sympathy for the Devil”
12. “Gimme Shelter”
13. “Honky Tonk Women”
14. “Miss You”
15. “Paint It Black”
16. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”

Encore

• “Sweet Sounds of Heaven”
• “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”