I’m not sure exactly when I started running towards The Rolling Stones with my wallet in my hand, but I’d guess it was when they began releasing a slew of excellent live concerts, initially under the From The Vault brand, although that now seems to have been shelved. Certainly, since 2015, the Stones have been releasing shows at a prodigious rate and there have been few that haven’t been worthy adding to the collection, with the high points including the stunning Steel Wheels Live set (from the tour of the same name), which featured guest spots from Eric Clapton and a young Axl Rose.
Anyway, here we are again and with a rather more recent show documenting The Stones on stage in 2012. Touring Grrr, the band were playing all the hits (as well as the excellent Doom and Gloom), with the band’s Dec 15th show at New Jersey’s Prudential Center considered to be the jewel in the crown. Boasting guest spots from The Black Keys, Gary Clarke Jr, Lady Gaga, John Meyer, Bruce Springsteen and Mick Taylor, it is a powerful show, full of standout moments and, as has become standard, the set is available in a bewildering array of formats.
The Package
This time, there are four physical formats available: 3LP, 2CD & blu ray (reviewed here), 2CD & DVD (featuring an identical set of tracks and features) and 2CD. There is no large format book, as we have seen with some of the previous releases, and it is mildly frustrating that the vinyl edition does not feature the DVD, given that this was standard in the early From the Vault releases. Nevertheless, the selection that is available covers all the bases effectively enough.
All formats feature remixed audio from the original pay-per-view performance, with the blu ray boasting a Dolby Atmos mix. Both the DVD and blu ray also feature three bonus tracks from the band’s Dec 13 performance at the same venue. The packaging fits in with previous packaging – a glossy digi pack containing the three discs and a sixteen-page booklet, with photos and liner notes from Paul Sexton. All in all it’s a decent set for the price point, with the blu ray (assuming you have the gear) the best value of the bunch.
The Video
Although a decent job has been done with the majority of the archival releases, the limitations of their respective eras means that most have emerged as SD blu ray, with only the audio making use of the additional space that blu ray provides. Grrr Live, however, is a much more recent showing, and it looks amazing. Fire it up on a large screen TV and marvel in the sheer spectacle of it all, from the giant lips framing the stage to the fine detail of the performers’ increasingly sweat-soaked clothing. It really is a gorgeous looking show, with colours that pop as the lighting blazes and rich, inky blacks as the camera pans into the auditorium. Whoever was in charge of the editing nails it too, resisting the temptation to jump cut all over the place and allowing plenty of focus for each of the musicians, although Charlie is, perhaps, a tad underrepresented. Nevertheless, this is one of the best looking shows in the recent run of releases, and it puts you right into the heart of a truly spectacular show.
The Audio
Almost all of the archival Stones’ releases have boasted impressive sound, with 5.1 mixes as standard. Here, the band have gone a step further, offering a powerful Dolby Atmos mix (alongside 5.1 and stereo options) and it’s clearly designed to bring the band’s live thunder to your living room. Crystal clear throughout, it sounds great on CD and utterly stunning on blu ray. There’s a reason why this show is held in high regard, and the audio is a big part of the deal. Full credit to Declan Gaffney for his work behind the desk, with the only mild complaint being that Ronnie’s guitar lacks the punch of guests such as John Mayer. Otherwise, this is a great sounding show which only sounds better the more you push your system.
The Show
If we’re honest, the Stones have long known how to keep a crowd on side, and each of the archival shows has their share of hits. This, however, is in another league, with every single song an unassailable classic. It actually starts in pretty unassuming fashion with Get Off Of My Cloud, a great song to be sure, but lacking the strong, show-opening potential of Start Me Up. The band soon pick up the slack, however, and with The Last Time dispatched somewhat peremptorily, the show lifts its feet and we’re off. It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll and Paint It Black are delivered with panache early on, while Gimme Shelter sees Mick square off (somewhat uncertainly, it must be said) against an unstoppable Lady Gaga. She sounds great, although I personally prefer Lisa Fischer’s perfect rendition on Sweet Summer Sun, but the performance is electrifying, nonetheless. Speaking of which, a stunning take on I’m Going Down, featuring the combined skills of John Meyer and Gary Clarke Jr. is a jolt of adrenaline, with both John and Gary showcasing some impressive skills alongside these veteran rock ‘n’ rollers. A countrified Dead Flowers provides a moment’s respite and then The Black Keys drop in to lend a hand with a decent take on Who Do You Love? aired by the Stones for the first time, Mick claims.
With so many guest stars, most bands would start to crumble under the weight of it all, but the Stones are old hands, greeting each legendary guest as if it’s the most natural thing in the world and rarely allowing it to throw them off their stride. Of course, when you have such a catalogue, confidence is pretty much second nature and, as the show progresses, we are treated to some truly great moments, not least an extended Midnight Rambler, which benefits greatly from Mick Taylor’s enigmatic presence. Almost unbelievably, there’s more to come, with Bruce Springsteen dropping in on Tumbling Dice, although set closer Brown Sugar eclipses it, the band firing on all cylinders just as they’re out the door.
Not that the hulking great crowd is prepared to let them go so easily and so the band return for an encore, featuring the diabolical glory of Sympathy For The Devil, the sinister You Can’t Always Get What You Want (complete with choir), a raucous Jumping Jack Flash and, of course, a show stopping Satisfaction. It’s one hell of a victory lap, packed with enough energy to shame a band half the Stones’ age, and leaving even the home audience slightly the worse for wear by the time they depart the stage for the final time.
All in all, The Stones make over two hours of hits pass in the blink of an eye, and you can only marvel at the consistent energy levels they display over the course of this stunning set. Beautifully filmed, with pristine sound and a host of great guest slots, this is easily one of the best of the Stones’ live releases, up there with Steel Wheels Live, and a remarkable testament to the enduring power of rock ‘n’ roll. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, or a casual acquaintance, this is one set that belongs in your collection. 9.5 / 10
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