Staff Writer: Jacob Almond
On Thursday, September 30, 2021, famed and historic rock band The Rolling Stones stopped in Charlotte, N.C. for their No Filter Tour. This was only their second concert since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As thousands of people filled the stadium, there were hardly any seats left by the time the opening blues-rock act, The Ghost Hounds, made their way to the stage.
Once it was time for The Stones to take the stage, not one fan in the audience, from floor to the nosebleeds, were in their seats because they wanted to get a look at the greatest rock and roll band ever.
With one of the most recognizable and signature voices in music history, Mick Jagger–the lead vocalist, was his usual self as he raced around every inch of the stage, holding the entire audience in the palm of his hand.
After the first two songs, the three remaining members of the band walked forward on the stage standing arm-in-arm to pay tribute to their late drummer, Charlie Watts, who passed away in late August.
Before the first song started, clips of Watts were displayed on the jumbotrons placed on each side of the stage.
Jagger stated, “It was great to see those great images of Charlie up there on the video at the beginning.” At the end of the tribute given by the band, Jagger exclaimed, “This is our first tour without him in 59 years, so we’d like to dedicate this tour to Charlie!”
The tribute brought together everyone in the crowd as it erupted in honor of their longtime drummer.
As The Stones played through their set, classic rock staples such as, “Tumbling Dice”, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, “Start Me Up,” and “Honky Tonk Women” were brought forth making the audience feel connected to Jagger on stage, as the 78-year old frontman moved around the stage for two hours like he has done since the early 1960s.
The Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards, an all-time great on a six-string, sang two songs in the middle of the set bringing his cool swagger to the mic while also still providing great riffs from his six-string.
The band’s other lead and rhythm guitarist Ronnie Wood, also provided great licks from his guitar throughout the night. At one point a Carolina Panthers jersey was held over his chest by Jagger leading to a very positive reaction from the crowd.
As the night went on, more hits were played that the crowd sang every word to.
“The stadium had the best energy, [and] I think we all knew we were witnessing history,” said junior Emma Hanse. “The Rolling Stones did not let their age get in the way of their party. It was so cool seeing all of the older people rock out to their generation of music.”
The Stones ended their set with the classic, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and after the last note was played, a picture of Watts was displayed on the screen once more to pay honor.
Even after almost 60 years of playing, there’s no doubt that The Rolling Stones have not only left their footprints in the Queen City, but on rock and roll as a whole.
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