The Rolling Stones Kick Off Tour in Houston with Unmatched Energy
The Rolling Stones Defy Age and Expectations on Latest Tour
HOUSTON (AP) — The Rolling Stones, often hailed as the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world, showed no signs of slowing down as they kicked off their latest tour at Houston’s NRG Stadium on Sunday night.
With frontman Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards both at 80 years old, and guitarist Ronnie Wood not far behind at 76, many may have expected the legendary band to take it easy. However, during a vibrant two-hour show, the Stones played with the energy and enthusiasm of a band on their first tour.
The tour, sponsored in part by AARP, is in support of their latest album, “Hackney Diamonds,” their first record of original music since 2005. Houston was the first stop on their 16-city tour across the U.S. and Canada, with other cities including New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Vancouver. The tour is set to conclude on July 17 in Santa Clara, California.
During the concert, the Stones delighted fans with a mix of new tracks like “Angry” and classics such as “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Start Me Up.” They even surprised the audience with deep cuts like “Rocks Off” from their 1972 album “Exile on Main St.” and “Out of Time,” a song from 1966 that had never been played by the band in the U.S. before.
Despite the passing of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, the core trio of Jagger, Richards, and Wood, along with a talented group of musicians, delivered a memorable performance that left fans in awe.
Before the concert, Jagger took a trip to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, showcasing his excitement for exploration and adventure.
As fans wonder if this tour might be the band’s last, the Stones’ production director, Dale Skjerseth, reassured that retirement is not on the horizon. “This is not the end. They’re very enthused,” he said.
With their timeless music and boundless energy, The Rolling Stones continue to defy age and expectations, proving that true rock ‘n’ roll never dies.
