Review of Shine a Light (2008) by Paul J — 27 Jan 2011

By Roy Collings for remotegoat on 23/04/08.

I'm a fairly new fan of the Stones having just really got into them over the last year or so. Although I really like them, they've never been my favourite band if I'm honest (they're probably in the top 20), but I do love the fact that they are 'the real thing' - no pretence or wannabe, no 'in it for the fame and money', just genuinely loving the music whether they got famous or not, true to themselves and they have a reputation for being amazing live.

With that in mind I went to see 'Shine a Light' not knowing most of their songs, or much about them other than that they seem to have only lasted this long by pickling themselves in naughty substances!

The off stage rapport's great - the classic (paraphrase): "... if he stands in this area for more than a few seconds he'll actually start to burn." "Well ... we can't set fire to Mick ..." was a good catch! But while it's great to see 'mega' stars off stage being relaxed and candid, as the start of the concert approaches you're feeling the excitement - not least because Scorsese (with well over a dozen live cameras to co-ordinate) still doesn't know what the first song's going to be or who's going to be opening it!

The actual concert (or is it still a 'gig' at this level?), as predicted, is awesome! You're watching a close bunch of old friends who've stood by each other since they were kids and entertained millions for many decades, and who very clearly love what they're doing! In addition to the Stones, there's amazing backing vocalists and session musicians, as well as a few guest appearances (some young and some ... not so young), beautifully dueting with Mick and the boys. I'll not waffle on about the concert - if you're even a 'fringe' fan of the Stones you'll love it. This review is about the overall 'movie' so let's get back on track ...

Scorsese does an expert job of cutting to interesting little clips of the young and relatively new Rolling Stones in years gone by doing interviews etc... There's something very heart-warming about seeing a bunch of young, lovable (and somewhat naive) lads still doing 'their thing' all these years later. In spite of everything they've been through personally and collectively, they've far exceeded the longevity of many other 'solid' world-famous bands.

It was also very interesting to see that, where the much younger stones were often in very public trouble with authority for their controversial behaviour and views, today the president of the United States of America considers it an honour to introduce their show!! By the looks of things they've not changed their behaviour or views at all, meaning that it's our society and the authority that governs it that has. Who'd think a rock band would be more 'solid' in their beliefs than world leadership? Like it or not, this is a band that's outlasted many presidents and prime-ministers and by pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable (and sometimes taking the beating for it!) have, somewhat surprisingly, played a significant part in shaping the society we now live in.

The combination of this legendary band and a legendary director has produced a very entertaining and thought provoking show (... don't do drugs kids - you may change the world, be great and always be loved, but you'll end up with a face like a dehydrated spud!) - I would definitely see it again (the friend I saw it with had already seen it twice!) Even if you're not a huge fan of the Stones there's enough happening to keep you hooked, and like any good story with 'dubious' heroes, you'll either love 'em or hate 'em by the end! Personally I think they're awesome ... rock on!