Despite their supposed differences, the synergy between Richards and Jagger in this series of concerts is magic, and makes for some lively viewing in new music film, ‘Ladies & Gentleman: The Rolling Stones’…
Originally filmed in Texas over four concerts that formed a part of the ‘Exile on Main St’ tour, ‘Ladies and Gentleman: The Rolling Stones’ premiered on April 15, 1974 at the Ziegfield Theatre in New York.
Considered by Rolling Stone Magazine to be the 7th greatest album of all time, ‘Exile on Main St’ is a rock and roll masterpiece capturing exactly the spirit of the time, with its compelling new musical form adding a raw gravitas to the grainy song writing of the original blues musicians. The accompanying tour caught the record in its live form relating it to thousands, and now we lucky people get to see the original 16mm film in a re-mastered high definition format.
The set list in the film is comprised of songs from ‘Exile’, and Stones recordings prior to this. Highlights include rock and roll anthem ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’, the falsetto-driven ‘Gimme Shelter’, the sing-a-long chorus in ‘Tumbling Dice’, their classic single ‘Sweet Virginia’ and their swooning cover of Robert Johnson’s ‘Love In Vain’.
The original ‘Monkey Man’, Mick Jagger, King of Swagger, is the definite star of this show, and a diva to boot. His stage presence and boundless energy is overwhelming, with thrusting hips, pouting lips, and other original theatrics captivating everyone in the audience. He was one of the first of his kind, and every decent front man since has been influenced by his flamboyant style in one form or another (whether they know it or not).
The other diva in the group, rhythm guitarist Keith Richards also does plenty to get (and stay) in the limelight. Believe it or not, he was once quite a handsome man in his day, before he embarked on his diet of drugs, fell out of a coconut tree, and played Jack Sparrow’s pirate-king father in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ enterprise. As an aside, Jonny Depp has stated that he based Sparrow’s character partly on that of Richards, and it’s true; in this film, Richard’s costumes and makeup have an obvious pirate appeal.
Despite their supposed differences, the synergy between Richards and Jagger in this series of concerts is magic, and makes for some lively viewing. The remaining band members (Mick Taylor, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts) keep their heads down, concentrating purely on their music making, which is as seamless and flawless as you will ever get at a live show. The musicianship displayed in the drawn out version of ‘Midnight Rambler’ is a clear example of how tight the Stones were, and it’s the moments like these in the film that leave little wonder as to why this tour is considered by many to be so important.
The Rolling Stones were an enigmatic force in their heyday, and one of the originators of the rock and roll movement. This film is an important part of that journey. Part entertainment, part education, ‘Ladies and Gentleman: The Rolling Stones’ with any luck, will get you rocking out of your cinema seats and into the aisles.
Verdict: A must watch for anyone who considers themselves a musician or music fan.
By Theo Sangster, 12 November 2010.
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