Stones in my life.
I used to socialize in the west end of London when I was young. The place where it was all happening, the place to be. Shopping in Biba’s boutique, having my hair done at Vidal Sassoon, hanging out in Carnaby Street.
On the 5th July 1969 we were hanging out near Hyde Park and someone said. “The Rolling Stones are performing in the park, shall we go?” We took a leisurely stroll to the park, where thousands of people were enjoying the music, that was cutting through the usual silence of the park. We listened for a while and then strolled off somewhere else. It was a lovely time to be young. We didn’t worry about anything in those days – just doing whatever we felt like, whenever we felt like it.
August 2006 a friend telephoned and asked “Do you like the Rolling Stones?” Do I like the Rolling Stones?!! Strange question, I thought, but told her I did. “I thought you would. I have four free tickets, would you and Mo like to come with me? It’s this Sunday” I bit her hand off, right down the phone!
We made our way to the Stadium where the concert was taking place, not knowing what to expect. I had been to lots of concerts in the seventies but they were all ‘Folk’ music. I had never been to a ‘Rock’ concert before, and certainly not in recent years.
Eventually the Stones made their entrance. They knew how to make an entrance! With Mick Jagger strutting his stuff like a young man, and Keith Richards playing a mean guitar, the concert got underway. Half way through the concert, the heavens opened and we sat, drenched, trying to cover three bodies with one plastic mac, draped over our heads. We didn’t care one bit! They came right out into the audience, on a moving stage, and sang some of their oldies. The familiar ‘Honky Tonk Woman’ had the whole stadium singing along, and lots of people up dancing – including us!
Check this video out, you can see the rain! Watching this video clip makes me want to be there again.
Almost forty years on, and they were unbelievably great. Better than the first time I saw them, by far! The special effects were amazing!
I’ve seen them twice now. Once in my twenties, in the sixties, and then in my sixties in the twenties! Both times for free. Cool or what?
Stumble it!
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Swubird | 27 June 2008 at 15:29
Babs:
What a fabulous story. It really took me back to the old days. And then to see them for free – two times! That is amazing. Honky Tonk Woman is my favorite.By the way, that’s the title of the chapter about my mother in my autobiography.
You really nailed it with this post. Great.
Happy trails to you.
Babs (Beetle) | 27 June 2008 at 16:36
Swubird:
That might be because I was re-living every moment as I was writing it :O)
Drowsey Monkey | 27 June 2008 at 21:55
That is very cool!
You’re very lucky, I like the stones and they’ve passed the test of time, that’s for sure.
Babs (Beetle) | 27 June 2008 at 22:53
Drowsey monkey: They certainly have. Strange but when the perform yo don’t see them as old, in any way.
Kathy | 28 June 2008 at 1:53
I grew up listening to the Stones as they were both my brothers’ favorite band. They have stood the test of time, and every bit of livin’ they’ve done shows on their faces. Got to hand it to them. My fav? Gimme Shelter. Popped it up on YouTube while writing this. Hmmm, might have to go shopping…
Babs (Beetle) | 28 June 2008 at 13:15
Kathy: You’ve started me off ;O) Listening to ‘Gimme Shelter’now!
JD at I Do Things | 29 June 2008 at 15:38
Oh, my gosh. Y’know, I’m not even that much of a Stones fan, but to just be strolling thru a park one day and stop and listen to them in concert? Awesome! And you got to see them twice at two very different periods of their career (and your life). That is VERY cool.
JD at I Do Things
Babs (Beetle) | 29 June 2008 at 17:01
JD: Yes I wasn’t so thrilled by it in ‘69 – probably because the 60’s was so full of new and exciting things, but the second time was a great experience.
Ann | 30 June 2008 at 1:36
What a wonderful fabulous treat.
Love your post, the video, and The Stones.
You lucky dog you, I paid twice to see them, and both concerts were out of this world. I would love to see them now~ Thanks for the clip, and a great story~
Ann
A Nice Place In The Sun
Gandalf & Grayson | 2 July 2008 at 14:49
Awesome post, Babs! Not really a Stones fan, but I would’ve gone, too just for the nostalgia!
G&G’s Mom, Barb @ WillThink4Wine