We just returned from the first Rolling Stones concert in mainland China. It may not have been as earth shattering of an event as when all those people in the UK camped out for days to be the first to own an Oasis album, but as it was also my first time to see the Rolling Stones, it had considerably more meaning to me.
The show opened with what I must assume was a local band, a power trio with a decent lead singer, but lousy songs. After that we settled in for what turned out to be an hour long wait. Finally, just after 9:00 the Stones came on stage and held my attention for the entire concert, which is a considerable feat since I usually zone out for a space in the middle of most concerts. Excellent sound and stage presence. I was genuinely disappointed when the house lights were turned on and there was no hope of a second encore.
There were a few especially memorable, and even heart warming spots in the concert. Cui Jian, the “father of Chinese rock”, joined the Stones for “Wild Horses” and at the end of the song, when Ronnie Wood presented his hand, presumabley for a hand shake, Cui Jian was so moved by the expression he warmly received the outstretched hadnd and kissed it. Ronnie returned the gesture by blowing a kiss to Cui as he departed the stage. Brought a tear to my eye, it did.
Another surprise towards the end of the show happened when what looked like a sandbag fell from the lights above the stage and landed a couple metres in front of Keith Richards. Keith was naturally startled by the near death experience, but composed himself quickly with none of the band missing a beat. After a stage hand had removed the offending bag from the stage, Keith followed that age old addage that lightening never strikes twice in the same place and positioned himself in the space formerly occupied by the sandbag.
They played all their good songs with the exception of those that had been forbidden by the Chinese government. I guess the Rolling Stones aren’t interested in being rebels anymore.
After that we fly to St. John’s where we will meet Admiral Floridale before driving to Edmonton, where we expect to arrive around the middle of July. That is a long time in transit, so if you are a thief and are thinking you would like to break into our home and steal all our stuff, please don’t. We live at 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa.
