Get Front Row Access to Irma Thomas Rehearsing with the Rolling Stones at Louisiana Festivals!
The Rolling Stones had a memorable time at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, particularly when they performed with legendary singer Irma Thomas. This collaboration was so special to the band that it became the centerpiece of a 90-second video showcasing their time in New Orleans.
The video, shot by Matt Clifford and shared on the Rolling Stones’ social media channels, begins with the band’s arrival at Louis Armstrong International airport on a chartered jet. After showcasing the vibrant sights of the French Quarter, the focus shifts to a backstage dressing room where Thomas and a smiling Mick Jagger are seen reminiscing about their first encounter in 1964.
According to Thomas, Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards attended one of her shows in England shortly after she released the single “Time Is On My Side.” Impressed by her performance, they expressed their admiration and mentioned their intention to record their own version of the song. This cover later became the Stones’ first Top 10 hit in America, but the two artists never had the opportunity to perform it together until Jazz Fest.
For Thomas, sharing the stage with the Rolling Stones to perform “Time Is On My Side” was the culmination of a 60-year journey. The video captures intimate moments of Thomas rehearsing with Jagger, Richards, guitarist Ronnie Wood, and keyboardist Chuck Leavell backstage at the main Festival Stage, exuding joy and camaraderie throughout the process.
The heartwarming footage concludes with the Stones’ motorcade exiting the Fair Grounds after their May 2 performance, leaving a lasting impression on the New Orleans crowd. But the band’s connection to the city didn’t end there, as Wood later joined Thomas at Preservation Hall to play “Time Is On My Side,” further solidifying the bond between the artists.
Jagger, clearly enamored with the vibrant music scene of New Orleans, made a return to the Fair Grounds on May 4 to explore various stages and immerse himself in the rich musical tapestry of the festival. The Rolling Stones’ experience at Jazz Fest was not just about a performance; it was a true celebration of music, collaboration, and the enduring power of live performances to bring people together.
