“This could be the last time, may be the last time, I don’t know.”

The Rolling Stones did not play that song at either of the MetLife stadium shows this week, but it’s the one that’s been playing in my head since the beginning of every Stones tour since 2012.

I admit I was initially discouraged by what I heard at the beginning of the tour; after 60 years of defying the odds, The Rolling Stones finally sounded like what they were: very old men playing rock and roll. Mick sounded and moved with a laborious quality he never displayed before. Ronnie’s solos were choppy and lacking his usual melodic flare. And Keith just seemed tired and sullen. 

Of course, I had these same observations prior to seeing them in 2019 at the same venue, and that was an utterly explosive show that fully restored my faith in the band. If they did it then, why not now?

I can not only say that my faith is restored, but at a fever pitch. The Rolling Stones, now averaging 80-81 years old, put on a thrilling display of defiance and vitality, once again spitting in the face of critics and making me feel utterly foolish for ever having doubted them.

At the start of the tour, Keith utterly massacred the “Start Me Up” riff. Tonight, it exploded out of the gate and was played with absolute precision. Mick shimmied across the vast stage with ease, and his voice was rich and clear.

The entire show maintained this level, and the addition of new songs alongside relative rarities like “Get Off Of My Cloud” and “Bitch” gave the show a freshness it had been lacking for a long time. It is a testament to the quality of the new material that songs like “Angry” and “Whole Wide World” went over about as well as “Paint It Black” and “Jumping Jack Flash.”

And of course, there was the big surprise of the evening: a typically intense, powerhouse “Midnight Rambler,” thought to be shelved this time around to make room for new songs. With “Miss You” taking a much needed night off, “Rambler” had ample time to work its dark magic, enveloping the stadium with its sadistic energy. It was like the band was whipping us into submission, challenging us to match their brutal energy. Maybe it was the element of surprise, but this “Rambler” felt truly momentous and on par with the very best versions of the song.

Keith, who seemed to be fading at the beginning of the tour, is now back in the groove and firmly recommitted to driving the music again, churning out rich, elegant riffs and rhythms in effortless fashion all night long. Not every note was perfect, but the best ones showcased that his unique feel, timing, and sound can still be as good as ever. His solo set was amazing; the debut of “Tell Me Straight” was absolutely flawless, with Keith taking the soul he typically puts into “Slipping Away” and turning it up a few more notches.

Ronnie, too, played some absolutely great guitar riffs and solos, particularly on “Tumbling Dice” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” He was almost as active as Mick, hamming it up with the crowd while somehow maintaining total focus on his musicianship. After two bouts of cancer, this was nothing short of amazing.

Mick was in primo form: running, jumping, vamping, and singing with his signature ageless alacrity that continues to inspire and captivate. The ultimate frontman.

The rest of the band brought the necessary support to keep the engine running with a full tank for the entire two hours, particularly Steve Jordan; yes we all miss Charlie, but I have my doubts that at 82 the Wembley Whammer would be able to drive the band to the often frantic pace Jordan pushed the band towards at times. Jordan managed to emulate Charlie’s sense of swing and swerve while adding new touches and styles that made some of the more tired material sound truly vital again.

And then there’s Chanel Haynes, who had the unenviable task of taking on signature spotlight moments originated by Merry Clayton and Lady Gaga. Haynes approached these parts with utter fearlessness, bringing a stupefying combo of technical brilliance, soulful showmanship, and scintillating sex appeal to both “Gimme Shelter” and “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven.” She is an utter tour de force, not only surpassing the noble efforts of Sasha Allen but rivaling Lisa Fischer on her best nights; she is that good, that powerful.

The Rolling Stones played a perfect show; I have no qualms saying that at all. It was invigorating, inspiring, surprising and just a totally faultless evening of timeless rock and roll.

If I had to compare this band to anything, it would be the Coney Island Cyclone, a roller coaster in Brooklyn, New York that is well over 100 years old. They’re both old and a bit rickety, and they take a minute to get going; however, once they get over that first hill, the thrills keep coming and put younger models to shame.

While I entered the stadium with “The Last Time” in mind, this line from the more obscure “Torn and Frayed” played in my head” as I exited into the night:

“Just as long as the guitars play

He’ll steal your heart away.”

Setlist:

1. Start Me Up

2. Get Off Of My Cloud

3. Bitch

4. Angry

5. Heartbreaker (vote song)

6. Wild Horses

7. Tumbling Dice

8. Whole Wide World

9. You Can’t Always Get What You Want

    – – – Band introductions – – –

11. Tell Me Straight (Keith)

12. Little T&A (Keith)

13. Sympathy For The Devil

14. Midnight Rambler

15. Gimme Shelter

16. Paint It Black

17. Jumping Jack Flash

      – – – Band off stage – – –

18. Sweet Sounds Of Heaven

19. Satisfaction