The Rolling Stones, 2005, by Stephen Blecha
From MemoryArchive
Who: The Rolling Stones What: Live Performance When: 2005 Where: The United Center- Chicago, Illinois
I'll never forget the night I saw the Rolling Stones in concert with my dad. I remember him telling me on the drive to the concert that, "You know, Steve, when I was your age I would never have dreamed of actually seeing the Rolling Stones in concert." They were always one of his favorite bands growing up, but his family didn't have a whole lot of extra money and it would have been unusual for him or any of his friends to attend a concert by such a legendary band. But, forty years later, he finally got the chance. The entire car ride to and from the concert, we listened to the Stones (only skipping Satisfaction, because, really, at this point who needs to hear that more than once a night). When they finally hit the stage, I was incredibly surprised. From the band that once said "what a drag it is getting old", they didn't seem to mind it too much. Mick Jagger was all over the stage--I tell you, it's quite a sight to see a man in his sixties jump and dance like he was a drunken eighteen year old. Keith Richards, the lead guitarist, didn't move quite as fast (look up his bio on wikipedia and you will understand why), but still played very well and, despite the as of then recent smoking ban in the United Center, chain smoked cigarrettes. Although occassionaly making mistakes (who can blame them?), they were more or less spot on, and played an absolutely terrific show. They played all of their hits, but also played some obscure tunes that I had not heard before. Honestly, if you have the chance to see them, I would take advantage of it while they're still around. I realize that tickets are pretty expensive and for this reason many people believe they "sold out" (although from my recollection, the Stones have always loved and never denied their love of money--they're not necessarily the nicest people and that's why they're the Stones) In my opinion, the show was well worth the 70$ ticket. One of the best parts about the entire concert was that my dad and me were not the only father/son pair there. In fact, there were people from all different generations, backgrounds, ethnicities, and races in attendance, and it was just a nice reminder that even though there is so much that separates people, sometimes music can bring them together. My father and I don't always get along, but it is an undisputable fact that he showed me everything I know about music, and for the rest of our lives we will always find harmony in that regard.
