If you’re a Rolling Stones fan, you know this film. Shot over four nights in Texas during the Exile on Mainstreet tour in 1972, Ladies and Gentlemen the Rolling Stones was originally released in cinemas for limited engagements in 1974. Since then, the film has remained largely unseen, never released on DVD. A problem that has finally been rectified with this, the official DVD release of this Rolling Stones classic.
While not held in the same esteem as Give me Shelter, or as wondrously sought after as Cocksucker Blues, Ladies and Gentlemen is a real treasure, revealing the Stones at the absolute peak of their early ‘70’s prowess. With a wealth of great material to choose from, and the inclusion of several deeper catalog cuts, these shows pull back the curtain on a band on a terror, tearing it up and having a blast doing so; shedding light on the Stones in the midst of all their ‘70’s power and excess. Simply put, you just won’t find the Stones looking or sounding any better on film than they do here.
Director Rollin Binzer spent over a year editing footage for the film. It was a tough time for the band; they couldn’t get into three countries because of their drug bust, they’d survived the death of Brian Jones and the trouble at Altamont. Binzer distilled the backstage action away and left only the best of four performances (two matinees and two evening shows) from the band’s June ’72 swing through Houston and Fort Worth, Texas. What was left behind was pure rock and roll, showing the Stones doing what made them the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world.
1972 was also and interesting time for the band and for rock music in general. Bolan, Bowie, Iggy, and Eno had flamboyantly burst onto the scene, and it shows. Jagger, in particular is riotously glammed out, with purple sequins around his eyes, a pinkie ring and a spangled, Ossie Clark jumpsuits or decked out with scarves and sachets. At one time Keith Richards appears wearing what can only be described as a scarf-cape. Certainly an unusual appearance for the band, and one that works in direct contrast to their set of muscular, rootsy rock and roll. But haven’t said that, the band rarely looked better. Jagger as always is a dynamite, captivating frontman, a force of motion, while Richards looks stunningly healthy, energetic and definitely into the music. Even Charlie Watts, the normally stoic backbeat of the band shows signs of animation and life. This is a band having fun, and it shows.
After the blast off of “Brown Sugar”, “Bitch”, and “Gimme Shelter,” the Stones jump into an inspired version of “Dead Flowers,” bringing to light the incredible work of Mick Taylor. While a totally subdued stage presence (I don’t think either he or Bill Wyman move one inch the entire DVD) Taylor was a brilliant guitarist and his solos and slide leads bring a depth and earthiness to the Stones that they never had before or since. In my opinion, he’s the best pure guitarist the band ever had and it shows. His performances on each track with his work on “Love in Vain,” worthy of leaving the audience breathless.
At the same time, you can almost get an inkling for why Taylor left the band. With Jagger and Richards being the dynamic creative and visual force of the band, there really was little room for Taylor to stretch out. His stage presence seems to suggest more than shyness, but simply there not being enough room in the band for three pillars. Rarely do Jagger or Richards so much as look his way. Instead he stays in the background (not even the front of the stage) working his magic slowly and deliberately on his slide.
“Happy” jumps in with more passion and force than I’d ever imagined it, with Richards doing a fantastic job taking over lead vocal with some terrific harmonizing with Jagger. Horns blaring, Charlie Watts smiling, Jagger preening; what more could you want?
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” is epic followed immediately by “All Down the Line” with some of Taylor’s most ear-catching slide work. “Midnight Rambler,” here is perfect as are the concluding frenzy of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and “Street Fighting Man.” Definitely a shot of the Stones a their peak.
But just as interesting as the concert film are the bonus features, or more specifically, one bonus features; a three song rehearsal for the tour filmed in Switzerland. Gone are the flashy jumpsuits and sequins, in it’s place are five musicians gathered in a circle working out the kinks on “Shake Your Hips,” “Tumbling Dice,” and the rootsy “Bluesberry Jam.” Jack Daniels bottles open on the piano, drink glasses scattered about, Keith Richards playing while sitting on an amp, Mick Jagger without the flamboyant dances, standing stationary marveling at the musicians, Charlie Watt’s eyes closed in near ecstasy as the band locks onto the groove. This is a rare peak at the band behind closed doors and well worth the addition.
If you’re a new Stones fan or an old one, this is concert footage you’ll certainly love. And to make it even better, we got one copy of the DVD to giveaway for free to the first waverider who drops us a line asking for it. Either leave a comment or send an email to our contact address and we’ll get the Stones heading out your way.
--Racer
Buy here: Ladies & Gentlemen The Rolling Stones
Ladies & Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones [Blu-ray]
Ladies & Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones- Deluxe Edition 3DVD Numbered Box Set
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