Although The Rolling Stones have sold over 200 million albums since forming in 1962, it’s the group’s live performances that have earned them the title of “world’s greatest rock and roll band.” Viewers can witness an excellent example of this when KQED broadcasts “ Rolling Stones: Live at the Max” on Saturday, November 27th at 8:30 pm. Directed by Julien Temple, “ Rolling Stones : Live at the Max” is a concert film comprised of footage taken during The Rolling Stones 1990 “Urban Jungle Tour,” featuring Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts Ron Wood, and bassist Bill Wyman, who was making his final appearances with the band
As part of the rock and roll British Invasion that swept America in 1964, The Rolling Stones, thanks to hit records like “Satisfaction,” Get Off of My Cloud” and “Honky Tonk Women” maintained their popularity throughout the entire 1960’s, surpassed only by the Beatles in worldwide popularity. By the 1970’s, particularly with the break-up of the “Fab Four,” the Stones pretty much stood alone at the top of popular music, as Mick Jagger became rock and roll’s most well known front man, and Keith Richards the most celebrated guitarist. Even as they slowed down their studio output in the 1980’s, their increasingly infrequent live tours became highly anticipated events.
Beginning in August of 1989 in the U.S. East Coast, The Rolling Stones Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour marked the first appearances of the Stones in America since 1981. Lasting a full year, the tour ended in London’s Wembley Stadium on August 25th, 1990. “ Rolling Stones : Live at the Max” features 16 different songs, most notably “Ruby Tuesday” and “Paint It Black,” two selections that the Rolling Stones had not performed live since the 1960’s. Mick Jagger, still in his 40’s, was incredible, as he seemed to turn the huge stage into his own personal athletic field. Rivaling the group’s performance is the IMAX filming technique, which takes viewers right on stage with the group, capturing the excitement and the artistry of a Rolling Stones concert.
Note: Since 1990, The Rolling Stones have done five more tours, the most recent, “A Bigger Bang Tour,” occurring in 2007. Although no future concerts are currently scheduled, The Rolling Stones have made it clear that they have no plans to retire, apparently looking to add the title of “world’s oldest rock and roll band” to their resume.
Note: The Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour” kicked off on August 12th, 1989 with a surprise show given at Toad’s Place, a 700 seat nightclub in New Haven, Connecticut. The Rolling Stones had used the Wykeham Rise School in Washington Connecticut to rehearse for their upcoming concerts, and their one hour performance at Toad’s Place was meant as a thank you to Connecticut for its hospitality.
Comments
In your opinion how does the Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle tour stack up against the 69 tour, the 72 tour, the Tour of the Americas tour in 1975, and the Tattoo You tour of 1982?
What is the name of the performance that the Stones had recorded which included a lot of other big name bands, such as John Lennon and the Who? And how would a person get to see that?
To MS: The performance you're referring too is "Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus", from 1969...It was the last time Brian Jones performed with the group...it remained unreleased for many years, as the Stones felt they turned in a poor performance.
To Nigel: Vey interesting question..I think the production values were superior with the Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour, compared to earlier years, plus they played longer sets, with material that spanned they're entire career (which is easier to do in 1989 than 1969, as there is larger catalog to choose from). However, let's be honest...starting with the Tattoo You Tour, the Stones had become an Oldies band....If you saw the Rolling Stones in 1989, '72 or '75, you were seeing a functioning group, still in the creative phase of their career. In 1969, they ignored most their earlier hits, and there is something to be said about hearing "Honky Tonk Women", "Jumping Jack Flash" and "Sympathy For the Devil" when they were relatively new...I compare seeing the Stones in their latter days to watching Fred Couples and Tom Watson play golf on the Senior tour....Are they still great golfers? Yes, they are incredible...Are they as good as they were 25 years ago?...Hell, no.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!