2005, Xcel Energy Center — This was the kind of intimate, low-frills, just plain ol' rock 'n' roll that fans had been dreaming about. There was a freshness and consistency not witnessed at other local Stones shows.
1999, Target Center — After three times in the Metrodome, the Stones thankfully returned to an arena. However, it took a good 75 minutes for them to shift into third gear.
1997, Metrodome — Jagger joked about Hubert Humphrey (for whom the Dome was named) but it was Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" that turned the show around.
1994, Metrodome — Well, you usually get what you need: sinuous guitar riffs, rock-solid rhythms, prancing and primping, and nonstop spectacle. Missing early on was the Stones' usual raw energy.
1989, Metrodome — With big-bucks corporate sponsors, the Stones Inc. brought one of the biggest stages in rock history. The first of two nights was plagued by a muddy sound mix and low-voltage energy.
1981, St. Paul Civic Center — The Stones were never better here, including on the new "Start Me Up." Jagger swinging over the crowd in a cherry picker for "Jumpin' Jack Flash" provided Stonesian outrageous fun.
1978, St. Paul Civic Center — The Stones played it straight and professional: no fancy stage and just 18 songs. After the show, bassist Bill Wyman fell off the back of the stage, injuring his head and hand.
1975, St. Paul Civic Center — Jagger was more physical but the lack of horns diminished the music's urgency.
1972, Met Center — Opening act Stevie Wonder did a long drum solo in his first number that wasn't appreciated. Jagger rocked for 15 songs but the lack of air conditioning was as annoying as the arena's acoustics. Unforgettable was tear gas that filtered inside from police skirmishes with ticketless fans outside.
1964, Danceland in Excelsior — The crowd was sparse (maybe 200), the set was short (and heavy on covers) and the reception was less than enthusiastic.
Jon Bream
