The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter

The #2 band on the 'Fab Five' list. The Rolling Stones fucking rule. Like the bad younger brother of the Beatles, the Stones have put out hit after hit after hit, trotted the globe, and inspired millions. They consist of the incredible songwriting duo of lead singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards who, despite their constant bickering and squabbles have managed to compose some truly classic rock songs such as "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", "Sympathy For The Devil', and "You Can't Always Get What You Want". The steady  driving force behind them of their elder jazz-trained drummer, Charlie Watts, has been brilliant (and grey-haired!) every step of the way. Founding bass player Bill Wyman and guitarist Brian Jones helped create the mean, bad boy image of the early Stones, while Mick Taylor defined some of their epic guitar songs of the 70's and Ronnie Wood continues in that tradition today. Fucking epic band!

I was lucky enough to see them when they came to Vancouver, playing BC Place in 2006. And wow did they ever rock. I've been to a lot of shows in my life but I genuinely don't think anything will ever top this one. The set was massive; giant TV screens, a huge blow-up tongue, and roaring flames. Mick Jagger had the energy and physical abilities of a 25 year old, never mind 65 year old, as he sprinted from end to end of the footbal-field (CFL-sized) width stage. They played for a solid hour and a half and it'd been so good. Tracks like "Midnight Rambler", "Jumpin' Jack Flash", "Streets Of Love", a trio of Keith Richards-led tunes, and an amazing duet with Bonnie Raitt on "Shine A Light" had me thinking this was the best show I'd ever seen. 

BUT they hadn't even really begun. During a super sexy "Miss You" (my buddy who I went with, Logan's, favourite song that he really wanted to hear) the band got close together in the middle of the front of the stage when all of the sudden it raised up and started rolling through the middle of the crowd. They got about three quarters out and then duh-na-na... duh-na-na, Na-na-na-na-nuh-nuh-na. They tore through the epic "Start Me Up" and the concert just hit another gear. From there they played "Honky Tonk Women", "Sympathy For The Devil" (such an awesome version), "Paint It Black", "Brown Sugar", "You Can't Always Get What You Want", and finally "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction". Talk about epic; literally their greatest hits... nay THE greatest hits of rock music. We were in the last row in the building but we couldn't give two fucks as we rocked out to living legends doing what they do best. 

"Gimme Shelter" is my favourite Stones song. From the insanely cool and unique guitar riff to Mick's powerful singing (and the back up singer as well) the song rocks from start to finish. Also the anti-war lyrics and political tone of the song made it an anthem for the Vietnam war era. 

The more obscure song that I chose from the Stones is "She Was Hot (Live)". This live version from the 2006 concert/documentary by Martin Scorsese is an absolute rocker. Keith kills it on this one and looks better than ever rocking in the video. The whole documentary is awesome as well and I recommend it for any Stones fan out there. Here it is:

Some thoughts...

- Choked about OKC's loss tonight. At least LeBron is playing well and he was quite the warrior tonight...

- #3 coming tomorrow... any guesses???

- Signed the petition to stop the Enbridge pipeline from being built across BC. This is so fucking stupid as it destroys the pristine beauty of BC while giving us very little in return as most profits go to Alberta and the oil goes to Asia. I encourage anyone who gives a shit to sign the petition. It take 1 minute folks and could have a massive impact on the Province's future. For more information visit http://www.bcndp.ca/enbridge