Introduction
The Rolling Stones are one of the most iconic rock bands in music history. Since their formation in 1962, they have toured extensively, playing sold-out shows across the world. But as the band members have aged, many have wondered if they are still capable of touring – and if so, what impact age has had on their live performances.
Overview of the Rolling Stones’ Touring History
The Rolling Stones have been touring for almost six decades. In that time, they have become renowned for their energetic live performances, drawing crowds of thousands to their concerts. According to a study by Music Business Research, the band has played more than 2,000 concerts since their first tour in 1963, making them “one of the most successful live acts of all time”.
In addition to their extensive touring, the Rolling Stones have also released 24 studio albums and sold over 200 million records worldwide. They have been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame, and were awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1986.
Examining the Impact of Age on their Touring
Despite their success, there is no denying that the band members of the Rolling Stones are getting older. All four members – Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Ronnie Wood – are now in their 70s. This raises the question of whether they can still tour and perform with the same level of energy and enthusiasm as in the past.
Jagger himself has addressed this issue, stating: “We’re certainly not going to stop doing live shows. I think we will do less, but it doesn’t mean we won’t be doing anything. We’ve got to cut down a bit because of our age, but we’ll still be out there.”
How the Rolling Stones Have Adapted Their Live Performance for Changing Audiences
The Rolling Stones have always been known for their ability to adapt to changing trends and audiences. This is evident in their recent tours, which have seen them embrace new technologies and experiment with different musical styles. For example, their 2017/2018 No Filter tour saw them incorporate 3D visuals and virtual reality elements into their live show.
The band has also experimented with different musical styles, such as blues, reggae, and rap. According to music journalist Rob Sheffield, the Rolling Stones “have always been able to find ways to make their old material sound fresh”. He goes on to say that they “never seem to lose the energy or enthusiasm that made them great in the first place”.
Examining the Economic Factors Behind their Touring
The Rolling Stones’ continued success as a touring act is partly due to the financial benefits of their live shows. According to data from Pollstar, the band earned an estimated $135 million from their 2017/2018 No Filter tour alone. This makes them one of the highest-grossing touring acts of all time.
The band’s success is also due to their savvy business decisions. As well as selling tickets to their shows, they have also embraced corporate sponsorships, merchandise sales, and streaming deals. These strategies have allowed them to remain profitable despite the changing music industry landscape.
Analyzing the Critical Reception of the Rolling Stones’ Recent Tours
The Rolling Stones’ recent tours have generally received positive reviews from critics. For example, music critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised their 2017/2018 No Filter tour, writing: “It’s as if the Rolling Stones know they don’t need to prove anything, so they’re simply having fun — and that attitude is contagious.”
Other critics have praised the band’s ability to stay relevant despite their age. According to music journalist David Fricke, the Rolling Stones’ live performances “are proof that rock & roll can be timeless, that its power and glory never fade”.
Examining the Legacy of their Live Performances
The Rolling Stones’ live performances have had a lasting impact on music history. Not only have they influenced countless other artists, but they have also set the standard for what a great live show should be. As music critic Mark Kemp put it in a review of their 2017/2018 No Filter tour: “As much as any band in history, the Rolling Stones have defined what a great live show should be.”
Conclusion
It is clear that the Rolling Stones are still capable of touring, despite the band members being in their 70s. They have adapted their live performance to changing audiences, using new technologies and experimenting with different musical styles. They have also remained profitable due to their savvy business decisions. Most importantly, their live performances have had a lasting impact on music history, setting the standard for what a great live show should be.
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