Mick Jagger, 80, Still Rocking the Stage with Unbelievable Moves!

Rolling Stones Rock the Stage with Energetic ‘Hackney Diamonds’ Tour

A wise 77-year-old once disclosed her secret to a lean, athletic body: “You’ve got to move,” she said. Like Jagger? No one does that. Still lithe and limber at 80, Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger still has the moves. He led the Stones and their supporting cast through a defiantly energetic, hit-filled two-hour 18-song blowout before more than 40,000 people on Tuesday night at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals. It was the third stop on a 16-city, 19-show run across North America called the Hackney Diamonds ’24 Tour that ends July 7.

The Stones play in Las Vegas this weekend and have a concert planned in Denver on June 20. The band opened the tour in Houston on April 28.

It’s fitting that the Stones continue to perform at such a high level in a building made for sports. What Jagger does on stage is as athletic as it is musical – and it’s one helluva workout. He doesn’t just sing, plead, growl, joke, moan, wail, and lead singalongs of fan-favorite songs such as “Honky Tonk Women,” “Tumbling Dice,” “Miss You,” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” He runs, walks, skips, undulates, and grinds from one end of the massive stage to another, frequently venturing down a lengthy catwalk to the middle of the floor seating.

Jagger never looked out of breath, though he frequently sipped from a water bottle and grabbed a tissue or two. He was in strong voice and was so aware of how extraordinary it is to do what he’s doing that he feigned exhaustion during the final verse of show closer “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” staggering, then falling to his knees James Brown-style as if to say, “Look what I can do.”

Jagger continues to defy the laws of physics, logic, time, gravity, and God knows what else as the band that coalesced in the clubs of London in 1962 continues to move forward. The singer, guitarist/cofounder Keith Richards (also 80), and 76-year-old guitarist Ron Wood (who joined in 1975) have become rock ‘n’ roll’s leathery equivalent of the old blues masters the young Stones once emulated. They’ll probably play until they die.

Of course, it took the death of longtime drummer Charlie Watts in 2021 to light a creative fire that resulted in last year’s surprisingly urgent Hackney Diamonds, their first album of new songs in 18 years. Watts was never mentioned from the stage on Tuesday night, as he was on their first two tours without his familiar grace and swing, but his presence is all over one of the new songs that was a highlight in Arizona.

The gospel-flavored “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” confronts mortality and includes the telling line, “Let the old still believe/That they’re young, yeah.” It was one of three new songs performed on Tuesday. The others, “Angry” and “Mess It Up,” had more of a funk feel, with drummer Steve Jordan and longtime bassist Darryl Jones providing the rhythmic muscle.

“Sweet Sounds of Heaven” is a concert staple in the making, the first of a two-song encore and one of two showcases for former Trin-i-tee 5:7 gospel singer Chanel Haynes, who infused some visual and vocal Turner-isms during her high-watt call-and-response with Jagger on “Gimme Shelter.”

The unsung hero of Tuesday’s show was guitarist Richards, who was more focused and less bombastic than normal, stepping up to deliver several propulsive rhythm riffs and bluesy solos, while Wood took more of a backseat. The Stones don’t take many chances with their setlist, but their choice of opening acts was more daring.

The crowd was there to witness the Rolling Stones in action and they did not disappoint. The legendary band, despite the passing of longtime drummer Charlie Watts, continues to impress and entertain audiences around the world with their energetic performances. Jagger, Richards, and Wood prove that age is just a number as they rock the stage like they did in their early years.

Richards unsung hero

The unsung hero of Tuesday’s show was guitarist Richards, who recently has been portrayed online by some hardcore fans as somewhat diminished. He was more focused and less bombastic than normal, not unusual early in a tour, but Richards stepped up big time, reeling off several propulsive signature rhythm riffs and bluesy solos, so much so that Wood, who usually does most of the heavy lifting, took more of a backseat.

The Stones don’t take many chances with their set list, but their choice of opening acts was more daring. Mexican regional singer Carin Leon was a bold choice, but his mostly medium-tempo set was lost in the vast stadium environment. San Diego’s Electric Mud takes its name from a Muddy Waters album (the Stones took theirs from a Muddy Waters’ song) and includes two of Richards’ nephews, one a former Navy Seal. They had the will, but not the material.

People weren’t there to see the opening acts. They were there to see the Rolling Stones. It’s true. Time isn’t on their side anymore. But they’re still moving, impressively, while they can.

Rolling Stones Set List:

• Start Me Up
• It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll
• She’s So Cold
• Angry
• Beast of Burden
• Monkey Man (vote song)
• Mess It Up
• Tumbling Dice
• You Can’t Always Get What You Want
• Little T&A (Keith Richards lead vocal)
• Sympathy for the Devil
• Honky Tonk Women
• Miss You
• Gimme Shelter
• Paint It Black
• Jumpin’ Jack Flash
• Sweet Sounds of Heaven
• (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

The Rolling Stones continue to impress with their powerhouse performances, reminding audiences that age is just a number. As they embark on their Hackney Diamonds ’24 Tour, fans are treated to a sensational blend of classic hits and new material, showcasing the band’s enduring talent and energy. The Stones prove that they are still the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll legends, captivating crowds with their timeless music and electrifying stage presence.