The Rolling Stones @ Twickenham Stadium

United Kingdom | by Steve Jenner | 24 August 2003

When your legions of fans are predominantly white, middle class and enjoying the fruits of their hard-earned private pensions, they want a little bit more than your ubiquitous t-shirt and programme, you know. Of course, these items are available to suit all sizes, tastes, bank balances and tour locations, but the 'true' fan appreciates the necessity of such trophies as the entire ranges of mugs, pins, key rings, tobacco tins, pocket watches, stickers, fridge magnets, zippo lighters and mouse mats (in various designs and album covers). And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Among the expansive range of clothing on offer (from lingeree to leather jackets) the rugby jumper (unique to this venue) is a nice touch. And it's yours for £80! Welcome to The Rolling Stones: The greatest rock n' roll merchandising enterprise in the world...

Pitted against this, the tour sponsor (who we won't mention, just to annoy their marketing department) certainly have an uphill struggle in the battle for brand-awareness today. Still, they've given it everything they've got and it's a valiant effort that incorporates specially-decorated tour busses (strategically placed), enormous logos draped over the stadium's outer walls, and they have even made an inflatable archway over the main entrance (branded, obviously).

Strangely, only mobile-phone cameras are allowed in the stadium (something to do with the sponsor) but don't worry - for a souvenir, you can purchase a choice of 'professionally shot' official photos after the event, or a DVD of the performance, as it's all being filmed. Signs warn that entrance to the event confirms your permission to be filmed, so, presumably, those who are camera shy or on witness protection schemes can purchase their '40 Licks' facemask in the foyer.

Unburdened of cash, we finally enter the venue, to find a pleasantly civilised, intimate and well-organised setting - in stark contrast the the vast concrete chaos of Wembley. The backdrop forms a picture-postcard view, with trees, fields and a little church spire. Most shocking of all, the pitch is entirely seated. On further thought, the majority of the audience are of an age where one would offer them one's seat on a bus, so it makes sense, and it makes us chuckle. We are truly the youngest fans here.

"Who's the support band?", asks the lady infront. "Star something", comes the reply, "Never heard of 'em". Judging by the politely curious applause that greets the band on their hike to the center of the stage, not many here have. Still, Starsailor get into the spirit and spend the next hour shamelessly selling their new album 'Silence is Easy'. To his credit, James Walsh is in particularly fine voice today, and the familiar tones of 'Alcoholic' and 'Poor Misguided Fool' go down well. Unfortunately, we are then presented with the new album more or less in its entirely. It's not bad, but a set of new songs is not what the party requires. A closing 'Good Souls' is paltry recompense for what ultimately comes across as a dry and slightly arrogant gesture.

Far more entertaining is the drunken character who manages to steal the attention and respect of the whole crowd, through his series of comedy cartwheels across the back of the pitch. Apparently this act contravenes the terms and conditions of the event, and so an army of heavies are duly despatched to remove the rogue performer, to be immediately deafened by 60,000 boos. A riot nearly breaks out and the character is swiftly returned to his original spot.

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