Opening Night Recap! - Hackney Diamonds Tour - Houston, April 28 2024 

Not much to be proud of in England right now , but The Stones always make me super proud to be British, our greatest export.Rock on guys.

"ANGRY" is great! STONES KINGS OF ROCK AND ROLL! ✌😎

The first concert 💎 in Houston is FANTASTIC 💥 Great Songs 🎼 Love 💓 Mick Jagger 👑♥️ ever AMAZING 🙆‍♀️🔥 The opening tour is always difficult, hard but The Rolling Stones are FABULOUS 🌟 Thanks to Hang Fire for nice review 👍 I glad so much that's 🤗 ✌️👌💎

Thank you Justin for allowing me to share my thoughts about the Houston show! It was a joy to be there and I'm so glad the Stones are back! Such a good show and I’m excited to see how the rest of the tour pans out! Thanks for this informative video!

I'm so excited to see them at So Fi Stadium in July!!

Ladies and gentlemen the Greatest rock n roll band in the world, The Rolling Stones!!!!!

An excellent summary, Justin. After watching all the videos, here's a few of my own observations: Mick was on fire! The man still looks and sounds incredible. Which other 80+ year-old singer still compares to how he moved and sounded in his 20s? Ronnie played very well, though - as on the last tour - he doesn't quite have the energy he once had (and I wish he'd do something with his hair!). Keith was sloppy. Who else could mess up the intro to the first song of the opening night - particularly on something as easy to play as 'Start Me Up'?! Also strange that he only did one song (a good choice by the way - unlike many, I'm not keen on Keith singing ballads on a RS show). No doubt he will improve as the tour progresses - he usually does! Chanel is a sensation! I was impressed with her in London 2 years ago, and I'm so glad they kept her. A worthy successor to Lisa, at last! As someone whose biggest interest is the 1963-1967 era, I'm very glad they kept 'Out Of Time', also 'Get Off Of My Cloud'. I thought the tempo was a bit sluggish on the latter, but Mick's performance more than compensated. Still hoping for 'Mother's Little Helper' at least once! As for the new songs, a mixed bunch. Not keen on 'Angry', but they are right to include it. 'Sweet Sounds Of Heaven' is much better - and what a surprise to include it in the encore! Has there ever been another tour where a song from the latest album has been used as an encore?? I can't recall one off-hand. Looking forward to the rest of the tour!

Almost 63 yrs old and finally going to get to see my all-time fave band in Vancouver!

I was there. It was a jaw-dropper. Getting to see rock and roll history like that was indescribable. Weakest song was Little T&A. Strongest was Rocks Off. Keef's Tele on Jumping Jack Flash was the loudest I've ever heard.

This was my tenth stones show as good as ever

WOW! IT'S AMAZINGLY FANTASTIC!!!!!!!

I'm looking forward to seeing them in Orlando 😀❤️❤️❤️

Great and great footage. Can’t wait to see them when they come east. Have tickets for the two New Jersey shows, Foxboro, Massachusetts, and Philadelphia. Just can’t wait to see the boys again.

Thanks 4 the recap! Love to see these cats full of energy!

Thanks for the informative recap. Mick seems more relaxed. Love how he played with the lyrics on “Get off of my Cloud”.

Was there too... ditto - Micks energy is just incredible - he never stopped moving for close to two hours !!! He sold it. Chantel - soulful and powerful ! They sounded fantastic. Great lights audio and video arrangements. Was 8 seats from the stage and I can say - they really looked to be having fun - and after all these years ! Blessed to attend the tour opening - going to try to make the close in Santa Clara too.

I was there. It was a great show. They dropped Midnight Rambler and one KR song to fit the Hackney Diamonds tunes into the set.

We were right on the rail after a long day waiting in line since 7:00 am. Get Off My Cloud has gone right back to the top of my list where it righfully belongs. I had goosebumps from it. Also i made my own shirts for this tour, and i chose ‘Cloud’ to wear first night, not really expecting it, but overjoyed when it was the 2nd song. Mick came right over to me and saw the bright green lettering, and gave me a glance with a smile.

I was there for the first show, I'm so glad they stopped first in my hometown of Houston. They were amazing and definitely didn't disappoint. My first time seeing them in the 80's in the Astrodome and 4th time in NRG Stadium, 10th time overall. Don't let these guys fool you, they still can rock! You're going to enjoy it!

We were there. Best stage and lights ever.

Atlanta June 7th. I can’t wait to see these guys again! I will miss Charlie.

Fantastic, incredible energy! Best band ever, forever! 💋

So excited! I haven’t seen them for a while so going to Vegas! See you there!

Ich hoffe, die Stones leben ewig !!!! Wahnsinn 😘😘😘

Was in PIT A also, within first 4 rows or so near the rail to small stage. My takeaway was how good Keith was. He fumbled Sympathy but he was on with Rocks Off, T & A and Jumpin Jack in particular. I heard from someone that attended a post show get together with Bernard Fowler that he was recovering from Covid. He did keep going backstage in between songs a lot too. Mick was Mick but to me, Keith stole the show and I haven’t said that since the 90s gigs.🎸

Wow, that was great! Rough around the edges? I didn't see anything that was rough. Those were some of their best renditions. Keep the clips coming. I don't go to concerts any more. I live my Stones life on RU-vid. Many thanks Justin. ;)

I enjoyed the show, glad I went. I was glad to see "Little T&A" back. They seemed to be enjoying playing and really hit their stride on "Gimme Shelter." A song just as true today as it was in 1969. I did miss it that they ignored Sticky Fingers as well as Goats Head Soup, two of my favorite albums. Also nothing from the late 80s or 90s--no Steel Wheels, Voodoo Lounge, or Dirty Work. But they played two hours its just not possible to do everything. I was impressed with their energy.

I wasn't there but judging from the various RU-vid posts from the gig, you've nailed the highlights. The HD tracks sounded brilliant as did Get Off of My Cloud (which they played equally brilliantly when it opened their Hyde Park gig in 2022) and Chanel Haynes is a force of nature. I also love it that they tossed in some of their '60s pop songs, like Out of Time (which made its live debut in Madrid in 2022). By the time they hit the UK (where I live) I really hope more HD songs are in the set list and Midnight Rambler returns. The latter track is uniquely "them", is tailor made to be played live and is one of two tracks (Gimme Shelter is the other) which has never lost its bite and menace.

Phenomenal performance. Great they did a great job…hit after but after hit! Flash & Sympathy

Know one will ever Top the great ROLLING STONES.....all the way from South African

Justin thanks again for recognizing me in your show Sunday night. Thank you!

I won't have a show this time in Toronto but still feel the excitement watching and they'll mix up the tunes as the tour goes on - maybe Keith will have 2 songs later. Ever see Mick perform Gimme Shelter without female part? It's awesome - the tune is his

It was a experience I will never forget

They still have it. 80 years old and showing the kids how to do it right. In 2019, I took my nephew, then 18, to see them. He wasn’t enthusiastic about it but I said “trust your Uncle.” He loved it and a lifelong fan was created. I think it took 2 songs. So bring your kids and grandkids. I have my ticket for Soldier Field in Chicago. Several of my friends with kids are taking them too.

Justin# thank you for a terrific recap! Great work! We'll be seeing them at the Chicago, June 27th show. Hope to see you there, if possible! 🎸🎸🎸

Simplesmente Únicos 🎊🎉💣💥

Nice review! Some opinions from the cell phone footages: Great set list (Rocks Off, Little T&A, Beast of Burden…); Angry ad Sweet Sounds sounded great live; I think some songs don’t suit Steve Jordan (Start Me Up, Mess It Up, Miss You…); Overall, at this stage of life, I’ll give 9 out of 10 for this show, specially being the first of the tour, since the Stones are notorious for not doing so well in the opening shows, Thanks for the coverage!

Great review, Justin. Thank you so much!

Denver 06.20.24....Can't wait!!!

Great summary of the concert!! Counting the days until I see them again in New Jersey!

I love Chanel Haynes the new backing signer!!!! She’s so good!!! Way less sterile and generic than all the previous singers on the last tours. She's possessed by rock and soul!👌🏻👌🏻

Yes!!!!

Thanks for this recap, I think they’ll add more songs as the tour progresses on…..

Simply …The Stones are well The Stones 👍🏽

I wish they would have played more from HD…

After seeing the footage, I think I'll wait until there's a KC date or an official farewell tour. I want to keep my memories of the 2015 tour which had me crying it was so good that night.

Great recap Justin!! Felt like i was there 😍only song missing was Steel Wheels own Mixed Emotions 😂

The energy of Mick makes me laugh (in a good way), a real rock star.

Little T and A is my favorite Stones song, next to Hand of Fate.

Was there, Pit A, Sweet Sounds with Chanel stole the night!

I'll be there,I'll be there in PitA in Glendale.

Outta time was the freaking highlight i was in pitA please mick keep this in the set....

Vancouver July 5. First time to see them

Houston Diamond tour!

Seeing them at sofi in LA. Couldnt be more excited! One thing is keith was seeming pretty half asleep for some songs but hopefully its just the opening show. He did a great version of little t&a tho!

Thank you for this recap, Justin ! Being opening night, this was great, and extremely promising for the rest of the tour. As you said, I’m sure Whole Wide World, and also Tell Me Straight, which they both rehearsed, will be played. And Mick, man, he’s a marvel, and seemed so happy being there and playing; 60 years after their first gig in Texas ! Awesome, inspirational, life affirming ! The Stones keep Rolling ! WOW !! 😀👍🎸🎤🎹🎷🎸🪇🥁🥇

❤🎉🎉🎉

How does Jagger maintain his weight? It is incredible. He has the same body at 80 that he did when he was 25!!!

Mick is unbeleavable, Keith is great ... Ronnie takes care of the more complicated parts great as ever ... and the rest take care of the music (😊 )

Für die Stones reicht die Rock& Roll Hall of Fame nicht mehr. Da muss was größeres, einzigartiges her.

😜😍💯❤️‍🔥love my STONES🪨🪨🪨🧨

Mess it up was awesome everyone in the pit new the words...

when i saw them in london they also didn't play midnight rambler...shame...my favourite...can't remember which year

Angry and Mess it up are great new songs. Chantel helped Mick with his voice.

Atlanta got 3 Keith songs. Rumor has it Mick was having a vocal issue or something. Rambler has been back 3 of last 4 shows. The encore was only one song this time, possibly curfew issue there. Also, Miss You was MIA.

I have a pit 1 ticket for Atlanta. Good spots require how early?

It's new Orleans tonight.

ROCK N ROLL!! Which shows are you going to ?

please play Midnight Rambler and Shattered in ER

Counted about seven songs that should have been cut from the set list as they seem to play them EVERY tour such as Beast…, You Can’t Always Get…,Sympathy…, Miss You. So many great songs to choose from.

was Chuck Leavel on keys?

Compliment Justin - You got the best quality of pictures/movies and sound from the first show - from "Fake Fan". I liked the show also very much and Chanelle Haynes did a great *new" voice part on Gimme Shelter - she is really a Soul-Singer. You pointed out every Highlight (I also was impressed from the stage - it remains me on the "No Filter-Tour"). But there was one thing I never observe and I don't like it. Mick was, beside his great performance, very controlling the show and gave Steve instructions by Miss You and Sweet Sound Of Heaven. He can do it back stage but not during a song on stage - perhaps he was nervously and tense? In my opinion they can also change Tumbling Dice - I love this song, but they played it in every show. Like to hear more news from you - Best wishes from Switzerland.

I was wondering her name, she sings very well on those songs and it isn't easy, trust me. Chanel Haynes. Mick looked a bit frustrated that bassdrum & bass wasn't balanced in the sound with the rest of the band. I'm not at all surprised "modern" sound guys do this. They even bring inn special speakers for the low frequency. But a heavy bassdrum isn't actually the backbeat-feel ...so using that trick on a band wanting backbeat seems unwise to me. I'm a pretty experienced artist myself (decades) so can confirm that singing new songs as a vocalist on top of a backline that is very loud is a terrible experience. You tend to actually try to go up and sing an octave higer that planned some parts here and there just to be heard yourself, keep up. And even if you got headroom for extra range, just having some parts an octave higher improvised could be problematic for pitch and tone. If you not tried it on a song practicing it can actually turn out pretty bad.

Keith missed the first chord of Start Me Up, exactly as he did in the Quebec City show in 2015. And admittedly, his playing is getting worse and worse. But that's okay, it's normal. I still love Keith!

Sehr informativ, dieser Bericht... die Stones scheinen alle top in Form zu sein....doch Chanel Haynes überzeugt mich nicht so richtig, besonders bei “Gimme Shelter“ ...sie hat zwar eine kräftige Stimme doch schauspielerisch gefiel mir Sasha viel besser oder früher die Lisa... Bin noch am sondieren bei den vielen Berichten über dieses erste Concert....kann jetzt schon sagen: Es war ein fantastisches Concert in Houston....👌💯...

Did I hear that right, only three songs from Hackney Diamonds? That's disappointing. They should play way more than three. I'm also shocked that Keef didn't sing Tell Me Straight. I thought for certain he would.

I have been a fan since the 1960s. Steve Vai should be brought on tour to add to the Keith and Ron sound. To fill it in a bit. Stones pulled it all off OK, except for Out Of Time. The synth marimbas need to be more prominent and louder. Same as on the original recording. Which also has Stu's organ on it. There is no organ on this live version. Nor in Europe two years ago.

I love Keith but that raucous raunchy essence stones he drove from the middle with his stella rhythm playing has completely gone… the session keyboard and horn players are all playing the parts and Ronnie does his job of covering and Jagger is just unbelievable… though pacing himself slightly easier than the Charlie tribute tour…. But l found listening a hollow centre to the sound… ie driving raunchy Keith is missing… l’m sure l’m a minority view and people will think this is best they have sounded and heap more and more praise on Hackney Diamonds…

Where's Brown Sugar ? Where is the old gal?

I forgot to mention Mick was out of tune during Angry.

They were great but why do they need Matt Clifford when they have Chuck. And I think Jordan bores. He doesn’t swing, he just whacks the drums like the homeless kids beating on pails outside Fenway Park.

Token GESTURE FROM THE TRUE ARTISTS

BTW - when you say Keith looked like he was "finding his way" - go back in history and it's usually during songs that are Mick-based. Watch "Saint of Me" live. He has no interest.

Aliens naturalised English

A joke I think , going to the Philly Show , need to do Deeper Cuts from Beggers , Let it Bleed , Sticky Fingers , Exile , n Goats Head , Black n Blue , get rid of the Overplayed Bullshit !!! For the $$$$$ I HATE THIS SET LIST , Bring back TAYLOR For the Rest of the Tour !!! Then it will be Worth the $$$$

I've watched several videos of the two shows on the new tour. I think Keith is getting too old to give a performance like he used to.😢🙁 His playing is getting worse and worse. At the Jazz Fest he even started the Gimme Shelter intro sitting down. I was always afraid of the day this would happen. But I think this is the last tour, Keith can't do it anymore. What do you think Justin? Am I overreacting?

Anyone can scream like ......errrrr....

Oooooo too much of your narrative n thoughts.Thankyou for posting however.

Complete joke. Keith Richards hasn’t played a solo in concert since the 80’s. Pathetic rhythm guitar chops. It’s truly laughable .Ron Woods’ guitar work is tragic. I’ve seen them 2 times in Pittsburgh and both times I thought it was a joke. Time for the pasture guys