Review: Stones return to Vegas with a secure hit

The band calls it their "No Security" tour, but don't be fooled: Security was everywhere Friday, April 16 at the MGM Grand Garden. Any fan's attempt to take the stage and disrupt the Rolling Stones' sharp performance - trying to fix Ron Wood's hair probably being tops on that list - would have met with swift intervention from the Men in Yellow Jackets.

The lack of security promised on the tickets may not have been in the infrastructure, but in was in the music. Returning to the MGM Grand a little more than a year after their special-effects laden "Bridges To Babylon" production, the Stones walked a leaner, tougher line this time out - lighter on hits and heavier with blues.

It was a profound relief, considering the band's uncanny aping of the MGM production "EFX" last time out. This time, a stripped-down stage layout served the music, not vice versa, and the Stones seemed far more comfortable. Hearing them plough through "Route 66" and "Some Girls" wasn't pleasurable just for the novelty; the old boys really smoked them down.

Of course, the hits were there. "Honky-Tonk Women," "Tumbling Dice" and "Sympathy for the Devil" were all treaty to lengthy, jam-filled arrangements, ripe with opportunities for Mick Jagger to wiggle his bum (ah, but intuitively) and for Keith Richards to indulge every split-legged guitar solo pose in his repertoire. Charlie Watts continues to be one of the greatest living drummers. It's a real honor and pleasure to watch him throw down.

If it seems at all possible: the Rolling Stones even looked younger than the last time they visited Las Vegas. Funny things happen when you toss security to the wind.

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