Secrets of the Stones’ Set List
Ahead of a U.S. tour, the band breaks down a recent London gig
Ahead of a U.S. tour, the band breaks down a recent London gig.
1. Street Fighting Man 1968
Early in the tour, the band kicked off with “Sympathy for the Devil.” But then, Mick Jagger (who makes the set lists) switched to this explosive political rocker for the rest of the run. “It just felt good,” says Keith Richards. “I don’t know if there’s another that can top it.”
2. Ride ‘Em on Down 2016
The Stones’ take on Eddie Taylor’s 1955 deep cut keeps the early-show momentum going. “Mick decided to keep it to one blues song last tour,” says Ronnie Wood. “I disagree. I think, ‘C’mon, let’s do more!’ ”
3. Bitch 1971
“It comes off pretty smooth, but it’s quite tricky,” says Richards. “There’s an interesting bridge you have to watch out for. Otherwise, it’s straightforward rock and soul that we love. It’s Charlie Watts’ meat and potatoes.”
4. Beast of Burden 1978
They soundcheck this song all the time — and are puzzled why Jagger rarely puts it in the set. “I’ll look at the set list and go, ‘Hey, Mick, we just rehearsed this!’ ” says Wood. “He doesn’t answer — it’s like a tease.” Adds Richards, “I wish we did it more, but it’s up to Mick. He doesn’t feel like it.”
5. Honky Tonk Women 1969
“‘Honky Tonk’ can be a bastard to play, man,” says Richards. “When it’s right, it’s really right. There’s something about the starkness of the beginning you really have to have down, and the tempo has to be just right. It’s a challenge, but I love it.”
6. You Got the Silver 1969
Richards’ first-ever lead-vocal track wasn’t played live until 1999, but has since become a staple. “He didn’t realize how much people like that song,” says Wood. “I’ve kind of reintroduced that, and it’s gone down really well.”
7. Sympathy for the Devil 1968
Richards calls this epic “such a bizarre thing to play. It’s incredible fun, because there’s all these gaps. Ronnie and I don’t even play until the bridge: ‘ Pleased to meet you!’ ”
8. Gimme Shelter 1969
Richards layered several guitar parts on the original recording; playing it live is his “biggest challenge.” “That beginning is so eerie, sometimes in a stadium you start to hear echoes,” he says. “I’m never sure if I’m the right volume — I’m always a bit anxious about it.”
9. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction 1965
“It’s the riff of all time,” Richards says. Despite playing it consistently since 1965, he hasn’t tired of it. “I’m still finding how to tighten it up. [Bassist] Darryl [Jones] and I are working on the rhythm end lately — slightly different ideas to make it snappier and better.”