We saw Martin Scorsese’s Shine A Light last night, the Rolling Stones documentary that covers one of the band’s NYC shows back in 2006.  What an incredible film.  Of course, the directing was superb and Jagger & crew were certainly up for the challenge.  Having never seen the Stones live, this qualifies as a suitable alternative as far as I’m concerned.  It really felt like I was at the actual concert, thanks in large part to the fact that we were seated fairly close to the screen and the sound system was, shall we say, off the hiz.  I was so wrapped up in the show that I excused myself to grab the obligatory brewskie (they sell alcohol in Japanese movie theaters) since no show is complete without me assuming my traditional concert-going pose – some bobbing of the head, occasional foot-tapping that may or may not be on beat, and one or both hands clutching a nice cold beer.  Heaven.  In any event, this was a great show and I highly recommend any music fan – Stones or otherwise – to see this movie.  Not only was the music fantastic, but it was a sight to see these old-timers get up there and ply their trade in such phenomenal form.  The energy that they expend each night is mind-boggling.  I couldn’t imagine doing that for a week, much less the forty-plus years they’ve been going.  Unreal.  And Scorsese’s touch was true, which should come as no surprise.  I particularly liked the insertion of interview clips dating back from when the band had just started out, most of which had interviewers asking questions about the band’s potential longevity.  One reporter asked Jagger when he must’ve been just a tad over 20 if he could ever imagine doing “this” at 60.  Without hesitation, Jagger answered “absolutely”.  How prescient he was!

Below is a clip from the show that includes a guest appearance by Jack White (one of my faves in the biz) for a rendition of Loving Cup.  Other guest appearances included equally powerful showings by Buddy Guy for Champagne and Reefer and Christina Aguilera for Live With Me.