Experience the Legendary Rolling Stones Jamming with Irma Thomas to ‘Time is on My Side’
It was a historic moment at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival as the Rolling Stones and Irma Thomas took the stage together to perform “Time Is on My Side,” exactly 60 years after they both recorded Jerry Ragovoy’s timeless song. This was a significant moment for both artists, as it was the first time the Stones had played the tune since 1998, and only the second time since 1982.
Lead singer Mick Jagger shared with the crowd the story behind the song, recalling how they heard it on the radio in 1964 and decided to record it, which eventually became their first hit in America. Jagger introduced Irma Thomas as the Soul Queen of New Orleans, the original singer of the song, and brought her on stage to perform it with them, much to the delight of the audience.
This performance marked the highlight of the Rolling Stones’ Jazz Fest debut, a moment that had been years in the making. Originally booked to perform in 2019, the band had to cancel due to Mick Jagger’s heart surgery. They were scheduled to perform again in 2021, but the festival was canceled over Covid-19 concerns.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was the only festival on the Stones’ calendar for the year. Their setlist largely mirrored their recent performances, with a few surprises thrown in, including the addition of “Whole Wide World” and “Let It Bleed.” The band even invited Zydeco musician Dwayne Dopsie on stage to join them for a song.
During the set, Jagger couldn’t resist making a subtle jab at Louisiana’s new Republican governor, Jeff Landry. The crowd was welcoming, with Jagger jokingly commenting on Landry’s attempts to take them back to the Stone Age. Landry responded to the comment in good spirits, expressing his love for the band and welcoming them back to Louisiana.
The Stones’ tour continues with upcoming shows in Arizona and California, with plans beyond that still uncertain. However, fans can look forward to possible new music from the band, as they have at least 23 outtakes from their latest album, “Hackney Diamonds,” that could appear on a future record. Producer Andrew Watt has expressed his eagerness to work with the band again and hopes to be a part of their future projects.
