THE ROLLING STONES embarked on the Licks World Tour in 2002 & 2003 to celebrate their 40th anniversary, featuring the band performing in arenas and stadiums, in addition to the occasional theater.
In November 2002, the Stones arrived in Los Angeles to perform at a packed Wiltern Theatre, treating fans to a set heavy on rarities which feel right at home in such an intimate setting.
While some of the hits are performed, this night at the Wiltern is for the rarely played classics, including “Stray Cat Blues”, “No Expectations” and a cover of “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love” featuring a guest spot by the legendary Solomon Burke, who opened the show that night. Now “Live At The Wiltern” is being released.
One of the greatest box-office successes of 2002/2003, 117 shows grossing over $300 million, The Rolling Stones’ “Licks World Tour”—in support of their 40 Licks compilation—celebrated the band’s 40th Anniversary in splendid fashion, highlighted by this intimate Nov. 22 Los Angeles show at The Wiltern.
With its 2,000+ seat capacity, it would prove to be a welcome respite from the global stadiums and arenas. Fans knew they were in for something special when gems like “Stray Cat Blues,” “No Expectations” and “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love” (complete with the co-author of this 1964 Soul Classic, Soloman Burke) rocked the house.
Over 80 songs were performed on this tour from all eras of the band’s glorious one-of-a-kind history. Mick Jagger played guitar, harmonica and keyboards at various stops. Keith Richards, stellar on guitar and vocals, provided musical highlights throughout the night.
On stage right, Ron Wood’s complimentary guitar work weaves seamlessly with Richards’ playing. Drummer Charlie Watts [1941-2021], as always, was the heart’n’soul backbeat that drove the band forward.
A-List musicians bassist Darryl Jones, keyboardist Chuck Leavell, saxophonist Bobby Keys and backing vocalists Lisa Fischer, Bernard Fowler and Blondie Chaplin added immeasurable flourishes.
With Tom Petty, Neil Young, Sheryl Crow, Johnny Depp, Stephen Stills and Eddie Murphy in the audience, The Rolling Stones proceeded to raise the roof to put on arguably one of their best shows ever.
We have many Rolling Stones live albums, but here’s songs rarely played live, bringing back some of the band’s best inside tracks.
Highly Recommended
Tracklist:
01. Jumpin' Jack Flash
02. Live with Me
03. Neighbors
04. Hand of Fate
05. No Expectations
06. Beast of Burden
07. Stray Cat Blues
08. Dance, Part 1
09. Everybody Needs Somebody to Love
10. That's How Strong My Love Is
11. Going to a Go-Go
12. Band Introductions
13. Thru and Thru
14. You Don't Have to Mean It
15. Can't You Hear Me Knocking
16. Rock Me Baby
17. Bitch
18. Honky Tonk Women
19. Start Me Up
20. Brown Sugar
21. Tumbling Dice
Line Up:
Mick Jagger (vocals)
Keith Richards (guitar/vocals),
Ronnie Wood (guitar/keyboards)
Darryl Jones (bass)
Chuck Leavell (keyboards)
Bernard Fowler & Blondie Chaplin (backing vocals/percussion)
Lisa Fischer (backing vocals)
Tim Ries (sax/keyboards)
Kent Smith (trumpet)
Michael Davis (trombone)
Jim Keltner (percussion)
The Rolling Stones – Live at the Wiltern (2024)