As you would imagine when you’re talking about a band that been around for 50 years, The Rolling Stones have got a few songs in their back catalogue (from nine No.1 albums, and a further 11 albums charting in the top three). But which ones can you expect to hear at du Arena? And which songs will have you screaming the loudest? TOAD gives you the rundown of some of our favourite tracks that you’re bound to hear:
(I can’t get no) Satisfaction
Regarded as the song that started the ball rolling on The Stones’ global dominance, (I can’t get no) Satisfaction is traditionally the final number of the encore at any big concert. Upbeat and punchy, with a wicked guitar riff to open that is recognisable around the world, the song was named No.2 in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. If you’re thinking of leaving before the end to beat the traffic just don’t, as you’ll regret missing this awesome end of the show climax.
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
‘I was born in crossfire hurricane…’ Is there a more iconic opening lyric to a rock song than the phrase Jagger spits out at the beginning of Jumpin’ Jack Flash? Voted the second greatest guitar song of all time by Q magazine, the melody, especially the intro, is a tour de force of rock guitar music. Jagger is perpetually animated throughout any Stones concert, but he always seems to find that extra little bit of energy for this crowd favourite. Expect this song to come early in the concert to set the tempo and tone for the rest of the night.
Gimme Shelter
A cool, almost lazy opening followed by a spiky guitar riff from Richards make the opening bars of Gimme Shelter most one most instantly recognisable songs in the Stones’ back catalogue. A split vocal chorus provides another highlight. Mary J. Blige, Florence Welch (Florence and the Machine) and Lady Gaga have all sung guest vocals on the song during live performances in the past 12 months, so don’t be surprised if the band has another trick up their sleeve and pulls out another female superstar to support the track this time round.
Midnight Rambler
Described by Richards as the only song they ever recorded that could only have ever been written by himself and Jagger, Midnight Rambler is a pure blues track incorporating operatic elements that build to a fiery three-part guitar riff crescendo. Expect to see Mick Taylor on stage for this one, it’s his skillful fret board dexterity that still gives the track the same blues punch that fans experienced when the song was played live for the first time in 1969. At 12 minutes in length and laced with harmonica overtones, Midnight Rambler stands alone as a unique moment in the Stones’ live set, but the song is all the better for it.
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Traditionally the opening number to the encore, You Can’t Always Get What You Want always proves to be a crowd favourite Stones’ gigs the world over, in part because the of the easy to sing-along chorus. Jagger is still a master of holding an audience in the palm of his hand (as you would expect from a front man who’s sold out as many stadiums as Mick has), which brings an extra element to this ‘all together now’ moment. And after all, who wouldn’t argue that You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, you just find you get what you need… is a lyric we can all get behind.
