Cross another one off the bucket list! Last night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, The Rolling Stones finished up the “West Coast” portion of their “50 And Counting” Tour with a rocking two and a half hour affair. In an interesting curve, especially in the star-saturated City of Angels, The Rolling Stones didn’t bring out a special guest for the first time all tour (pointing to the crowd — “You guys are THE special guests” – Mick Jagger). Instead, the second LA date focused on former guitarist Mick Taylor (1969–74), as he played on FOUR songs, including the first 2013 performances of “Sway” (voted in by the fans) and “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking.”

“Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” is one fans have been clamoring for all tour and the band finally obliged. It seemed like everyone in the arena knew the signature Keith Richards guitar intro as fans roared in approval. This version didn’t disappoint as Taylor was front and center bringing the 1971 Sticky Fingers classic to a jam-worthy end. The Stones also played “Far Away Eyes” for the first time in 2013.

“Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” was the highlight of the show for me (besides @3po1nt0 upgrading our nosebleeds to Sec 102!) as the Mick Taylor led-guitar excursions brought the band’s sound and cohesion to a level that makes you say “This is why I’m here.” Nostalgic moments are a wonderful thing, but the Stones ability to balance those with unique musicianship and energy — especially by Jagger, who will turn 70 in July — is awe-inspiring to watch. Suddenly I’m reminded of Jimmy Fallon’s character in Almost Famous and that great quote where he wrongfully proclaims “If you think Mick Jagger will still be out there trying to be a rock star at age fifty, then you are sadly, sadly mistaken.” Not so fast. Don’t miss these Hall of Famers while you have the chance. As they bowed and left the stage one couldn’t help but think — “Could this be their last tour?” The Stones play Toronto this weekend before heading to Chicago next week!

Sway The Rolling Stones with Mick Taylor in Los Angeles 5/2

Watch this video on YouTube

SETLIST: Rolling Stones 5/20/13 – Los Angeles

Get Off of My Cloud

It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)

Paint It Black

Gimme Shelter

All Down the Line

Far Away Eyes

Sway (with Mick Taylor – by fan request)

Doom and Gloom

One More Shot

Can’t You Hear Me Knocking (with Mick Taylor)

Honky Tonk Women

You Got the Silver

Before They Make Me Run

Midnight Rambler (with Mick Taylor)

Miss You

Start Me Up

Tumbling Dice

Brown Sugar

Sympathy for the Devil

ENCORE:

You Can’t Always Get What You Want (with the USC-Thornton Chamber Singers)

Jumpin’ Jack Flash

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (with Mick Taylor)

Upgraded to sec 102 thanks to @3po1nt0! pic.twitter.com/q7qZNphamr — Aaron Fortin (@phortin) May 21, 2013



