Spot on Gary!!
Yeah, the show was a little disappointing, song choice as well as length wise, but also quality wise for me. Keith was struggling on many songs (just see how he fumbles through the intro of SMU) and even Mick seemed to have some problems: out of breath, timing problems etc. He sounded a bit like he had a cold, maybe he did. But Ronnie was really sharp, so it's a well deserved 'well done Ronnie' from me!
I had hoped Mick would have at least mentioned Brian's name, but well, that's also typically Mick right. Mick Taylor was great on MR as expected. I hate how they under-use him too, probably also typically Jagger. I wonder if Taylor'll join for the Euro leg too in the fall, we'll see.
Anyway, I adjusted my expectations and didn't go for a high quality Stones show (though would have been nice), as I think they basically have sucked live since the new millennium.
I also was disappointed with the sound level: I could barely hear them sometimes, being further away to the side. Mind you, no fault of their own, but Hyde Park residents conditions to BST apparently.
I agree with Gaz about the organisation of the thing: just horrible. And don't get me started about trying to get something to eat: lack of choices, not enough vendors, waiting 60 minutes for a cheeseburger, just silly. Toilets were fine though.
Also I drank free water all afternoon as it was insanely hot and they gave away cups and refilled peoples bottles, very nice guys too.
And getting to Hyde Park and seeing Bernard just strolling around the grounds was so funny. I ran yelling after him like a groupie, lol, but he was gracious as ever, taking his time for photos.
The meetings at the Monkey Bar before and the St. Giles hotel after were sublime of course. I had a real blast, thanks everyone!
Oh and if you have nothing better to do, just watch my video snippets here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/angieheide2006/videos