Unleash Your Inner Rockstar: The Rolling Stones Launch Tour in Houston!
The Rolling Stones kicked off their highly anticipated Stones Tour ’24 Hackney Diamonds with a bang, performing to a sold-out crowd of over 70,000 enthusiastic fans at NRG Stadium in Houston. The legendary rock band chose to focus on classic hits like “Start Me Up,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and “Satisfaction,” with just three new tracks from their latest album, “Hackney Diamonds,” making it to the setlist. With a musical legacy spanning more than six decades, it was no surprise that the Stones decided to treat their fans to a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Their performance marked the first time they showcased material from “Hackney Diamonds” since its surprise release at the intimate 600-seat club Racket in New York. The exclusive album release event at Racket not only featured a variety of new songs but also surprised fans with a cameo appearance by the iconic Lady Gaga.
As the Stones continue their tour, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and the rest of the band are gearing up for stadium stops in various cities across the United States, including Glendale, Las Vegas, Seattle, East Rutherford, Foxboro, Orlando, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Denver, Chicago, Vancouver, Inglewood, and Santa Clara. Fans can expect a spectacular show filled with timeless hits and a few surprises along the way.
“Hackney Diamonds” stands out as the first studio album of original material by the rockers in nearly two decades, following the release of “A Bigger Bang” in 2005. This album is particularly special as it marks the band’s first LP since the passing of founding drummer Charlie Watts in 2021. The tour is also notable for being the band’s first since their 60th-anniversary tour in 2022, with a special stop planned at the iconic New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on May 2.
Reflecting on the new album, music critic Mikael Wood praised the band’s ability to blend various musical genres like blues, rock, soul, country, and gospel into a cohesive and powerful collection of songs. The tracks on “Hackney Diamonds” showcase a tighter and punchier sound compared to the band’s previous late-era releases, signaling a fresh and exciting chapter in the Stones’ illustrious career.
During the Houston concert, one fan humorously remarked, “People say Joe Biden is too old to be president. They need to look at Mick!” This lighthearted comment speaks to the enduring energy and charisma that Mick Jagger brings to the stage, captivating audiences with his electrifying presence and dynamic performance style.
Notably, the Rolling Stones’ 48th tour is proudly sponsored by AARP, highlighting the band’s timeless appeal and ability to attract fans of all ages. As they continue to rock venues across the country, the Stones show no signs of slowing down and remain a powerhouse in the world of music.
