The Rolling Stones @ H.P. Pavillion San Jose 2/4/2003

First off I was somewhat ambivalent about attending this show after seeing The Stones at Pac Bell and Oakland. I even waited for the day of the show to acquire a ticket. I followed my intuitions as they felt positive and so was this show. Following this tour has been more interesting than previous ones. Why, because they played at a level that only comes from many years of performing together. I called my friend Joe at 4:30PM and said let’s go. We left SF and as I drove I kept wondering would I regret this? And after watching the HBO special a few times I kept asking myself would be seeing anything new? After purchasing two tickets from a very pleasant woman in the box office (with many seats still available at show time) we were elated to find ourselves at the side stage FRONT ROW. This was a gift of a gig to witness from this point of observation. I have never been this close to The Stones in the many gigs I have witnessed since 1966 at the Cow Palace.

Their intensity was evident right from the opening of Street Fighting Man. Mick even sang the last verse up one register. Problems with ear monitors were corrected after a small tantrum. (Why does he like that beat up old liberty bell shirt?) No Expectations was lovely and so was Sweet Virginia. All Down The Line was tight. They played a really strong version of Can You Hear Me Knocking tonight.

The real treat came during the diesel version of Satisfaction during which the woman setting next to us began to flash Mick every time he would dance up to our vicinity. (Next to the horn section) Wearing only a skimpy dress with a Stones thong underneath. Mick appeared to find her fascinating. He’s old tramp at heart. The look (expression) on his face was worth a million dollars as he wiped his face some twenty feet away. Classic moments as he came back twice later in the set. Then Keith came over for a look as well. This really amused everyone in our vicinity.

When The Whip Comes Down was hot. My personal dislike for Like A Rolling Stone tonight seemed tolerable and I really dug them doing Brown Sugar on the small B stage. What a great 90 dollars spent in entertainment value, as this show will remain in my memory forever. John Rock 2/5/2003