THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The Rolling Stones and Mercury Studios will release The Rolling Stones Live At The Wiltern on DVD, Blu-Ray, CD and vinyl on March 8.
One of the greatest box-office successes of 2002/2003, with 117 shows grossing over $300 million, The Rolling Stones’ Licks World Tour — in support of their 40 Licks compilation — celebrated the band’s 40th anniversary in splendid fashion, highlighted by this intimate Nov. 22 Los Angeles show at The Wiltern theatre. With its 2,000-seat capacity, it would prove to be a welcome respite from the global stadiums and arenas. Fans knew they were in for something special when gems like Stray Cat Blues, No Expectations and Everybody Needs Somebody To Love (complete with the co-author of this 1964 soul classic, Soloman Burke) rocked the house.
Over 80 songs were performed on this tour from all eras of the band’s glorious one-of-a-kind history. Mick Jagger played guitar, harmonica and keyboards at various stops. Keith Richards, stellar on guitar and vocals, provided both visual and musical highlights throughout the night. On stage right, Ron Wood’s complementary guitar work weaves seamlessly with Richards’ playing. Drummer Charlie Watts, as always, was the heart ’n’ soul backbeat that drove the band forward. A-List musicians bassist Darryl Jones, keyboardist Chuck Leavell, saxophonist Bobby Keys and backing vocalists Lisa Fischer, Bernard Fowler and Blondie Chaplin added immeasurable flourishes.
With Tom Petty, Neil Young, Sheryl Crow, Johnny Depp, Stephen Stills and Eddie Murphy in the audience, The Rolling Stones proceeded to raise the roof to put on arguably one of their best shows ever.
Wood states: “We couldn’t really go through a whole tour doing predictable shows. We’ve got to have songs out of the blue.” Adds Jagger: “It makes it interesting for the audience and the band. I’ve got to think a lot more about set lists than I’ve ever done.” Enthuses Richards: “Sometimes on the road, the weather’s bad and half the band’s down with something, but apart from those obvious blue days, there’s an amazing freshness about these guys.”
Live At The Wiltern Tracklist
1 | Jumpin’ Jack Flash
2 | Live With Me
3 | Neighbours
4 | Hand of Fate
5 | No Expectations
6 | Beast of Burden
7 | Stray Cat Blues
8 | Dance, Part 1
9 | Everybody Needs Somebody To Love (with Solomon Burke)
10 | That’s How Strong My Love Is
11 | Going To A Go-Go
12 | Band Introductions
13 | Thru And Thru
14 | You Don’t Have To Mean It
15 | Can’t You Hear Me Knocking
16 | Rock Me Baby
17 | Bitch
18 | Honky Tonk Women
19 | Start Me Up
20 | Brown Sugar
21 | Tumbling Dice
