On Thursday, May 23, 2024, the legendary Rolling Stones kicked off the first of two nights at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking a triumphant return to the stage as part of their “Hackney Diamonds” 16-city tour. This tour supports their first new album in two decades, an eagerly awaited release that has re-energized their global fanbase.
Opening for the Stones was the immensely talented Jon Batiste, who set the stage with an electrifying performance that included “Freedom,” “I Need You,” and a powerful rendition of “Tell The Truth.” Batiste was joined by special guest guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, whose exceptional skills added an extra layer of excitement to the opening set.
The Stones opened with their classic hit “Start Me Up,” immediately followed by the crowd favorite “Get Off of My Cloud.” The electric atmosphere set the tone for a memorable evening, showcasing the band’s timeless appeal and their ability to captivate audiences of all ages.
This tour marks a poignant chapter for the band, continuing their journey after the passing of their iconic drummer, Charlie Watts, in 2021. Steve Jordan, who replaced Watts and has already toured with the band, delivered a powerful performance, seamlessly fitting into the band’s dynamic and honoring Watts’ legacy with every beat.
The band performed three tracks from their new album, “Hackney Diamonds,” giving fans a taste of their latest work. “Angry,” “Mess It Up,” and “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” were met with enthusiastic applause, proving that the Stones’ new music resonates just as strongly as their legendary catalog.
Guitarist Keith Richards took the spotlight with his lead vocals on “You Got the Silver” and “Little T&A,” showcasing his distinctive voice and charisma. Richards’ performances were a highlight, offering a raw and intimate contrast to Mick Jagger’s dynamic stage presence.
Jagger, ever the showman, kept the crowd entertained not just with his singing but also with his witty banter. At one point, he quipped about the weather, saying, “I was a bit worried about the weather tonight. I thought we were gonna get a bit of Stormy Daniels, but we’re all right.” The cheeky remark was met with laughter and cheers, showing that Jagger’s sharp humor is still very much intact.
The concert spanned two electrifying hours, culminating in a powerful rendition of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” The iconic anthem had the entire stadium on their feet, singing along to every word. The energy was palpable, a testament to the enduring power of the Rolling Stones’ music.
Fans left MetLife Stadium buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating the second show on Sunday, May 26. With this tour, the Rolling Stones have once again proven that they are not just rock legends but living icons, continuing to make music history with every performance.
Rolling Stones Setlist: Start Me Up, Get Off of My Cloud, Shattered, Angry, It’s Only Rock and Roll (But I Like It), Wild Horses, Mess It Up, Tumbling Dice, You Can’t Always Get What You Want, You Got the Silver, Little T&A, Sympathy for the Devil, Honky Tonk Woman, Miss You, GImme Shelter, Paint It Black, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Sweet Sounds of Heaven, (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
The post The Rolling Stones Electrify MetLife Stadium appeared first on NYS Music.
