© AP / Rolling Stones
Rolling Stones thrill 20,000 fans with first 50th anniversary concert
Nov. 26, 2012, 8:37 AM EST
WENN
The Rolling Stones treated fans to an
explosive performance on Sunday when they kicked off a string of shows to
celebrate 50 years in the music business.
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The rockers were joined by former band mates Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor, who
performed with the regular quartet of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood
and Charlie Watts for the first time in 20 years. They entertained 20,000
fans at the O2 Arena in London with over two hours of hits and were joined
by guest stars Mary J. Blige, who delivered a stirring duet with Jagger on
"Gimme Shelter," and guitarist Jeff Beck, who played on a rendition of "I'm
Going Down."
The concert was the first of two in London before the band crosses the
Atlantic to play three dates in the United States. Speaking at the gig, Jagger
remembered the group's start in his hometown of Dartford, just outside of
London, saying, "It took us 50 years to get from Dartford to Greenwich! But you
know, we made it. What's even more amazing is that you're still coming to see us
... we can't thank you enough."
The frontman also took time to address the ongoing criticism the band has
faced over high ticket prices, ranging from $150 to up to $1,000 for a VIP seat.
He said, "Everybody all right there in the cheap seats. They're not really cheap
though are they? That's the trouble."
