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By ALAN K. STOUT; Times Leader Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 27, 1994     Page: 7C QUICK WORDS: REVIEW

Heavy rains, cool temperatures and high winds weren’t enough to prevent the
good times from rolling at Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium on Thursday, Sept.
22, as The Rolling Stones’ “Voodoo Lounge Tour” stormed into town for the
first of two concerts. And although the weather may not have been on the
Stones’ side — 45,000 fans certainly were.
   
Opening the show with a straight cover of Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away,”
then following with “Tumblin’ Dice,” from their 1972 classic “Exile on Main
Street,” album, the two-hour show proved why the ever-charismatic Stones are
often considered “The World’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band.”
    Jagger, 51, strutted and pranced about the 220-foot stage. The futuristic
production, which slightly contrasted the gloomy industrial look of 1989’s
“Steel Wheels” tour, featured silver metallic scaffolding, a 90-foot light
tower, elevated ramps, gigantic inflatable characters and a colossal video
screen fixed over center stage.
   
“Welcome to a rather drizzly, damp Voodoo Lounge,” said Jagger, just before
the band kicked into 1978’s “Shattered.” The song, which was accompanied by
altered, almost mosaic live images of the band on the gigantic screen, also
featured a soulful, warmly received Ron Wood guitar solo.
   
Hundreds of flickering lights lit the stage like a giant Christmas tree as
the group stormed into “Sparks Will Fly,” from the new “Voodoo Lounge” album.
“I know it’s a bit soggy,” said Jagger, “but I know you won’t let that dampen
your spirits.”
   
“Satisfaction,” featuring an inspired Keith Richard’s solo, came as an
early surprise in the set, as the 1965 number-one classic is traditionally
performed toward their show’s end.
   
Despite the inclement weather and the unfavorable acoustics of The Vet, the
Stones sounded great. It was obvious that although the incredible stage show
must have been extremely costly, neither was expense spared on the massive
soundboard.
   
This was no oldies show, either: The Stones played several cuts from
“Voodoo Lounge,” including “Love Is Strong,” for which Jagger played harmonica
and donned a top hat and sunglasses; the Richards song “The Worst;” and “I Go
Wild,” with driving rhythm guitars that sounded even better live than on the
new album.
   
“Miss You,” a 1978 number-one hit, was highlighted by an extended saxophone
solo, and 1969’s number-one “Honky Tonk Women” featured a video montage of
beautiful models and famous women from film such as Shirley Temple, Marilyn
Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.
   
There was much more “rain” than “shine” at this show, and the poor weather
brings the whole “rain or shine” policy of outdoor concerts into question.
More people wore ponchos, slickers and rain coats than the Stones’ famous
tongue logo attire. This was no refreshing sprinkle at a hot July concert, but
a day-long, cold rain; few would have minded coming back if the show were
postponed to a later date.
   
But give The Stones credit: the stage was, for the most part uncovered, and
they too were soaked in the off-and-on downpours. The video screens made this
even more apparent by closing in on a drenched Jagger, sitting behind the
piano for a wonderful performance of “Memory Hotel.”
   
Jagger introduced the entire stage band, including the group’s other three
members, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, and Charlie Watts. The ever-cool Watts
received a long, affectionate ovation and Richards was greeted by chants of
“Keith, Keith, Keith.”
   
Somewhat inspiring to the wet, chilly crowd, the 50-something Stones still
carry all the ambivalence and indifference of any 20-something young band.
With temperatures dropping, Jagger wore only a sleeveless t-shirt and Richards
a black tank-top near the show’s end.
   
The final knockout punch of classics included blazing performances of
“Street Fighting Man,” “Start Me Up,” “It’s Only Rock and Roll” and “Brown
Sugar.”
   
The band returned for one encore, a rip-roaring performance of “Jumping
Jack Flash,” then gathered at center stage, taking several bows to an extended
ovation.
   
Voodoo Lounge ?
   
The Rolling Stones are no lounge act. They never were.
   
The Stones epitomize big arena rock — bawdy, with rough edges, yet slick
and elegant. They’ve always remained a valid contemporary act by touring with
quality new work along with the classics, and in the world of popular music, a
Rolling Stones show is no mere concert, but an event — a celebration of three
decades of rock at its best.
   
This show was no exception.
   
Charlie Watts once said that each time the Stones go on tour, they put
their reputation on the line, and it remains somewhat of a mystery to him why
they’ve sustained such longevity.
   
“It’s just amazing,” said Watts, “how (people) just love the Rolling
Stones.”
   
Rain or shine, Charlie, people love The Stones.
   
Rain or shine.