Timeless Performance: The Rolling Stones Rock Out to “Time is on My Side” with Irma Thomas – Don’t Miss It!

The Rolling Stones invited Irma Thomas onstage to perform “Time is on My Side” together during their headlining set at New Orleans Jazz Fest, marking the first time the band has played the song since 1998. Originally written by Jerry Ragavoy in 1963 and first recorded by trombonist Kai Winding, “Time is on My Side” was subsequently covered by Irma Thomas and then The Rolling Stones in 1964. It became a hit for both parties, and an early one at that for The Rolling Stones, who were just beginning to build a significant following. Their rendition at Jazz Fest last night was a special moment for fans of both artists.

During the show on Thursday night, Mick Jagger shared with the crowd the history of the song, stating, “In 1964, which is a very long time ago, we heard this great song on the radio by this amazing singer. We recorded it and it became our first kind of hit in America.” Jagger then introduced Thomas as “The lady that did the song first, she’s the Soul Queen of New Orleans! I’d like to bring out on stage now to sing the song with us, here she is, Miss Irma Thomas!” The Rolling Stones and Irma Thomas provided a faithful rendition of the song, showcasing their incredible talent and chemistry on stage.

Aside from their performance, Mick Jagger also made a playful jab at Louisiana’s newly-elected Republican Governor Jeff Landry, who was reportedly in attendance. Jagger humorously remarked, “We’re a welcoming crowd, aren’t we? I hope Mr. Landry is enjoying the show. He’s real inclusive, you know. He’s trying to take us back to the Stone Age.” Landry responded on Twitter, showing a good-natured back-and-forth between the two.

The Rolling Stones are currently in the midst of their 2024 stadium tour, with New Orleans Jazz Fest being their only festival appearance this year. The band kicked off their tour in Houston and still have shows in Las Vegas, Seattle, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chicago, and more to come. Fans can grab tickets to all their upcoming tour dates to ensure they don’t miss out on this legendary band’s electrifying performances.

Be sure to check out the exclusive photo gallery from The Rolling Stones’ New Orleans Jazz Fest performance to catch a glimpse of the magic that unfolded on stage during this historic event. The band continues to prove why they are rock icons that have stood the test of time.