The Rolling Stones Ignite the Stage at 2024 Hackney Diamonds Tour Opener

The Rolling Stones launched their 2024 ‘Hackney Diamonds’ tour with a performance that defies the passage of time, captivating a massive audience at Houston’s NRG Stadium. The iconic rock band, led by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, both in their eighties, played an energetic set lasting two hours and featuring 18 songs. The show included a mix of their timeless hits and some fresh tracks from their latest album, “Hackney Diamonds.”

Energetic Beginnings and a Nod to Musical Evolution

From the moment the show opened with “Start Me Up,” it was clear the Stones were in their element. Mick Jagger, with the agility of a much younger man, commanded the stage. He moved with the elegance of a dancer, his voice powerful as he led the band through the song. Ron Wood’s blazing guitar solo complemented Richards’ robust guitar riffs perfectly, setting a high energy tone for the evening.

The band didn’t just stick to their famous hits. They also introduced the audience to deeper cuts and newer songs, proving their ability to evolve while respecting their roots. The show at Houston was special as it included the debut of “Out of Time” in the city, a song they had first played live only the previous year. Jagger joked with the crowd after the song, saying, “I don’t think you really knew it, but you get to know it,” highlighting his enduring cheeky charm.

New tracks from “Hackney Diamonds” were also part of the setlist. The lead single “Angry” was performed, as well as “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” and “Mess It Up,” which made its live debut. Each new song was embraced by the crowd, their reception indicative of the Stones’ continued relevance in the music scene.

Captivating Performances and a Trip Through Darker Melodies

The concert was not just about Jagger and Richards; the Stones’ touring band was in fine form. Drummer Steve Jordan and bassist Darryl Jones were the backbone of the performance, providing the rhythmic foundation that allowed Jagger to showcase his charismatic stage presence. Their tight play also enabled Wood and Richards to deliver their guitar parts with a relaxed flair. Richards, who sang lead on “Little T&A” from the album “Tattoo You” – a song not performed live since 2016 – visibly enjoyed the spotlight.

As the evening progressed, the Stones delved into darker, more intense territory with “Sympathy for the Devil.” The stage transformed to reflect the sinister vibe of the song, featuring designs reminiscent of a Roman temple. This song, especially, had the audience wrapped around the band’s finger, showcasing their ability to create an immersive experience.

The latter part of the show was a relentless succession of hits. Songs like “Gimme Shelter,” “Honky Tonk Women,” “Miss You,” “Paint It Black,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and the encore “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” kept the audience on an exhilarating high, singing along to every word.

The setlist from the NRG Stadium show on April 28, 2024, was a testament to the Stones’ enduring appeal and musical diversity.

Here’s what they played:

“Start Me Up”
“Get Off of My Cloud”
“Rocks Off”
“Out of Time”
“Angry”
“Beast of Burden”
“Mess It Up” (live debut)
“Tumbling Dice”
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
“Little T&A”
“Sympathy for the Devil”
“Gimme Shelter”
“Honky Tonk Women”
“Miss You”
“Paint It Black”
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash”
Encore:
“Sweet Sounds of Heaven”
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”