BY EVERYNIGHT CHARLEY CRESPO | The Rolling Stones performed a secret invitation-only concert at Racket NYC in Chelsea to celebrate the next day’s release of “Hackney Diamonds,” the band’s first album of all-new material in 18 years.
An all A-list event, attendees on Oct. 19 included Jimmy Fallon, Trevor Noah, Daniel Craig, Mary-Kate Olsen, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Chris Rock, Taylor Hill, Rachel Weisz, Christie Brinkley, Ed Burns, Keegan-Michael Key, Minka Kelly, Christy Turlington, Andrew Watt and more.
Rumors of the concert began circulating earlier in the week. The rumors at the time said that the Rolling Stones had been rehearsing nine songs — seven new ones and two old. Another rumor circulated that former Stones bassist Bill Wyman, who plays on the new album, was flying into New York City for the concert, even though he has not been on an airplane in years.
More than 100 fans gathered outside the venue, hoping for an opportunity to get in to see the legendary group. Fans began gathering on a standby line outside as early as 9:30 a.m. Reports by witnesses that 100 wristbands were distributed at a pop-up event at 7:30 p.m. were somewhat inflated; the witnesses attested that, in fact, only 37 wristbands were awarded to fans who had waited all day at the pop-up.
Superfans who have traveled all over the world to see the Rolling Stones in concert had no access to invitations. Reportedly, Doug Potach, who started the Shidoobee fan page, also did not receive invitations. Many of these fans were on the sidewalk outside Racket hoping for a miracle. This reporter also was unable to get inside.
Near the venue’s entrance, a sign declared this would be a phone-free show. Invitees were asked to place their cell phones into a pouch that would be locked. The pouches were given back to the phones’ owners with instructions that they would be unlocked upon exit.
Racket’s doors opened at 8 p.m., with DJ Questlove spinning. The Rolling Stones came on stage around 10 p.m. and performed four songs from the new album and three old songs — “Shattered,” “Angry,” “Whole Wide World,” “Tumbling Dice,” “Bite My Head Off,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Sweet Sounds of Heaven.” Lady Gaga joined the band on stage to perform the final song.
Set list
Shattered
Angry (live debut)
Whole Wide World (live debut)
Tumbling Dice
Bite My Head Off (live debut)
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Encore
Sweet Sounds of Heaven / with Lady Gaga (live debut)
For more of Everynight Charley Crespo’s coverage of New York City’s music scene check out his TheManhattanBeat.
It’s Doug Potash