Experience the Epic Conclusion of Jazz Fest 2024: The Rolling Stones Rock the Stage on Day Five!
After much anticipation and preparation, The Rolling Stones finally graced the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with their iconic presence. The excitement was palpable as the British rock legends took to the stage, opening their two-hour set with the timeless classic, “Start Me Up,” and proceeded to deliver hit after hit spanning their illustrious career.
The crowd was treated to a mix of beloved favorites like “Sympathy for the Devil,” “Honky Tonk Women,” “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” “Paint It Black,” and closing with an electrifying performance of “Satisfaction.” Introducing a couple of new songs from their latest album “Hackney Diamonds,” The Stones proved they still know how to captivate an audience with their raw talent and charisma.
One of the standout moments of the night came when the legendary Irma Thomas joined frontman Mick Jagger on stage for a soulful duet of “Time Is on My Side.” It was a powerful moment that showcased Thomas’ incredible vocal prowess and history with the song before The Stones made it a hit in the U.S. back in 1964. The collaboration was a true testament to the rich musical tapestry of New Orleans.
Adding a touch of local flavor, zydeco musician Dwayne Dopsie joined the band for a fiery rendition of “Let It Bleed,” infusing the song with the unmistakable sound of south Louisiana through his energetic accordion solo.
The performance itself was nothing short of spectacular, with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood displaying their musical prowess alongside a top-tier band. New Orleans-born vocalist Chanel Hanyes delivered a standout performance on female vocals, beautifully capturing the essence of Merry Clayton’s iconic vocals on “Gimme Shelter.”
Amidst the high-energy performance, Jagger even took a moment to acknowledge the presence of Gov. Jeff Landry, adding a humorous jab to lighten the mood and engage the audience.
The crowd at the Festival stage was packed to capacity, with festival organizers making adjustments to accommodate the massive turnout. Despite the sea of people, the atmosphere remained electric, and the festival’s decision to simulcast the show onto the Congo Square stage helped alleviate some of the pressure on the main stage crowd.
Leading up to The Stones’ headline performance, festival-goers were treated to a lineup of exceptional talent across the Fair Grounds. Dumpstaphunk paid tribute to late bassist Nick Daniels with a set of powerful funk, while Samantha Fish and New Breed Brass Band delivered riveting performances on the Festival Stage.
Over at the Congo Square Stage, the Cole Williams Band delivered a soulful showcase of rhythm and blues, with Williams using her platform to advocate for social justice and spreading messages of love and unity through her music. Colombian bands like Enkele brought a unique flair to the festival, showcasing traditional Afro-Colombian music and stunning vocal harmonies.
Rock ‘n’ roller CC Adcock & The Lafayette Marquis brought their signature swampy blues rock to the Blues Tent, filling in for swamp pop legend Tommy McLain who was unable to perform due to illness. The high-energy set was a testament to the diverse range of musical talent on display at Jazz Fest.
As the day came to a close, festival-goers adorned in Rolling Stones memorabilia and custom attire reflected the collective excitement and appreciation for witnessing rock ‘n’ roll history in the making. The special atmosphere created by The Stones’ performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will be remembered for years to come, solidifying their status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
