“But if you try sometimes, well, you just might find, you get what you need.”
The Rolling Stones
I was recently following a discussion on social media asking why older musicians keeping doing what they do despite not needing the money. An interesting question but in the absence of personally asking Mick and the boys, perhaps the answer is self-evident.
We saw The Rolling Stones perform at BC Place in Vancouver, BC on July 5th. Who would have thought that the world’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band would still be burning up stages in 2024? Certainly, we knew Keith Richards would outlive us all, but packing tens of thousands into a stadium to play songs that, for the most part, are decades old?! Incredible, and immensely satisfying.
I saw the Stones play in Boulder, Colorado in 1981. That year, both Mick and Keith were 38 years old. To this at the time 23-year-old kid, 38 was ancient. Now fast forward to 2024, we’ve all aged, considerably, yet we still keep rockin’. That AARP sponsored this tour is telling, and brilliant marketing. There are many of us out here who came of rock and roll age in the 1960s and 70s and for whom this music still matters. To think that the people I thought were old in 1981 are still dancing, is a wonderful, miraculous thing.
But how is that possible?
The obvious, and I believe, correct, answer is contained within Los Angeles Times critic, David Ackert’s quote: “Why? Because musicians and singers are willing to give their entire lives to a moment.” The audience is searching for that moment as well, and the reason that all of us still, performers and fans alike, continue to seek out live music. And though some of us may no longer be blessed with the radiance of youth, connecting with our inner 23-year-old is a beautiful thing.
In 1966 when I was seven years old, I heard my first real rock and roll song. Before I became obsessed with The Monkees, then The Beatles, “Paint it Black” and The Rolling Stones cracked open my little world and introduced me to a world of melody, rhythm, mystery, and danger. Hearing it performed in 2024 was an unexpected, but sorely needed, full circle moment for that kid that still lives within. I suspect that I wasn’t alone.
Please enjoy these iPhone images. I was there as a fan, so no “real camera” photos but, as the saying goes, the best camera is the one you’ve got with you.
(All photos @Mark Caicedo/PuraVida Photography)
For many of our generation (I'm a year older than you are) the music touched us deeply, perhaps even more than any other. And yes, while The Beatles were without question the leaders during our early years, there have been many others along the way worthy of our affection, including several editions of the Stones.
By the way, "real" photographer's cell phone pictures always look like they were taken by pros.