Sunday Times 2
Rolling Stones reach golden milestone
LONDON (AFP) – The Rolling Stones will rock the stage once again with four gigs in Britain and the United States to mark their 50th anniversary, the legendary British band confirmed Monday.
In a video released on the Stones’ website and their Facebook page, frontman Mick Jagger, 69, and his three bandmates announced four dates in London and New Jersey, confirming widespread rumours of fresh live concerts.
Jagger, who had dropped hints in recent months that the band would tour again, told BBC radio that the four dates would be followed by a longer string of concerts, yet to be announced.
“You must have guessed this was coming. Surely you didn’t think we weren’t going to do this,” the ageing rockers said in a two-minute video filled with clips from old shows, which received more than 10,000 “likes” on Facebook.
“Soon we’ll be back on stage playing for you in two cities that know how to rock and roll.”
The band play their hometown London at the 02 Arena on November 25 and 29, followed by two nights at the Newark Prudential Center in New Jersey, just outside New York, on December 13 and 15.
The shows will be the first live performances by Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood for five years.
The band hit the red carpet in London for the world premiere of “Crossfire Hurricane”, a documentary tracing the band’s half-century of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll.
Band members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Charlie Watts and former bassist Bill Wyman met dozens of fans outside the Odeon theatre in Leicester Square ahead of the screening.
Wyman said he hoped the film, named after the first line in smash hit “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” highlighted the influence of guitarist Brian Jones, who died in 1969.
“I’m glad he’s remembered, that’s the most important thing,” he said.Looking back on the band’s career, Jagger said: “It goes super fast so enjoy it while you can. It seems so that we did enjoy it while we could, it’s pretty obvious.”
The premiere caps a busy week for the iconic band, who confirmed on Monday they will play four gigs in Britain and the United States to mark their 50th anniversary.
Guitarist Wood revealed the band’s live preparations were “up to and above par”, joking that they “won’t be able to stop” touring if the gigs were a success.
“I can’t believe how well the band is sounding,” he added.The band play their hometown London at the 02 Arena on November 25 and 29, followed by two nights at the Newark Prudential Center in New Jersey, just outside New York, on December 13 and 15.
The live shows will be the first by Jagger, Richards, Watts and Wood for five years.
“You would think it would be boring doing the same thing over and over again but it’s not,” said Wood. “It’s totally fresh and totally new every time we get together.
“There’s a magic that comes when we get together. Individually we’re kind of walking around the farm or, you know, unperturbed… but when we get together, the roof comes off.”
He also hinted at a possible tour, saying: “Once this wheel is turning I don’t think it will be able to stop.”
The film, made by director Brett Morgen, will be shown in cinemas this month before being aired by the BBC2 later in the year.
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