“Search Map” – in front of the Waldbühne, ticket holders are once again aware of how lucky they are to be able to attend the Rolling Stones’ milestone birthday in view of the many people who are still looking. After all, having the final concert of their SIXTY tour take place in Berlin has symbolic character. They were once considered a dangerous rock band, and at their first concert in Berlin in 1965, their fans dismantled the very location where they perform again today. It shouldn’t be a demolition party today, but the energy from back then is still in the air on this oppressive summer evening.
The first Rolling Stone appears on the screen at a quarter to eight: Charlie Watts’ musical life is honored with moving clips and images. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood follow their friend on stage immediately afterwards to ring in the evening with the band and “Street Fighting Man”. “Hello Berlin, how are you?” – a bit of German is always a must, as is homely enthusiasm about Berlin currywurst, Hackepeter and Berliner Luft. “After five schnapps my German was perfect”. The fact that Jagger can be briefed well in advance is shown when joking about BER. He’s happy that he’s finally finished and that you can get straight into the city with the nine-euro ticket. Even though it’s clear to everyone here that the musicians haven’t bought any: the chat is enjoyable because the Stones never take themselves too seriously, even if they could.
“It’s good to be anywhere”
Before the evening really starts, the band personally commemorates their deceased bandmate. “We played with Charlie for 60 years, a long time. We dedicate this show to Charlie.” “Tumbling Dice” follows, for which Jagger now also unbuttons his blue velvet shirt, having already removed his jacket. A good idea in sweltering temperatures, because the paramedics already have a lot to do in the crowd in front of him. Jagger takes short drinking breaks and, later in the evening, even pours water into the audience, which is crowded close to the central walkway.
As usual, Keith Richards comes into play with two songs – his colleague can catch his breath on “You Got the Silver” and “Happy”. “Good to be back in Berlin. You never know what’s gonna happen,” was his sardonic comment, reminiscent of the infamous Waldbühne moment that caused 400,000 marks in riot damage. But in the end it doesn’t matter where you are: “It’s good to be anywhere”.
“What a Midsummer Night’s Dream”
The audience can also look forward to some deep cuts from the Stones repertoire: While “Out of Time” was already on the set list for the entire European tour, they saved “Fool to Cry” as a special highlight for Berlin. And with the hit fire with “Paint It Black”, “Start Me Up”, “Gimme Shelter” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” both the Instagram bubble in front of the stage and the Blitz generation get their money’s worth when filming.
But it is already dawning on those present: the fun must come to an end at some point, because at 10 p.m. the curtain falls on the Waldbühne. Still, it feels like the Stones are taking all the time in the world for solos, extra bits with the crowd, and riff repeats. Not only Jagger, but also fans dance and sing towards the grand finale with “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” during the encore with “Sympathy for the Devil”. As a farewell, Wood refers to the glittering slogan on his final stage outfit: “It’s Only Rock’n’Roll” – but we like it, too.
Rolling Stones live in Berlin – the set list
- Street Fighting Man
- All Down the Line
- tumbling dice
- Rock’s Off
- out of time
- Fool to cry
- You Can’t Always Get What You Want
- Living in a Ghost Town
- Honky tonk women
- You Got the Silver
- happy
- Miss you
- Midnight Rambler
- Paint It Black
- start me up
- Gimme Shelter
- Jumpin’ Jack Flash
- Sympathy for the Devil
- (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
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