Ignoring Old Show-Business Rules, Rolling Stones Brightly ‘Shine a Light’

CHICAGO – In The Beatles versus The Rolling Stones debate (which no one under 40 would have), I’m decidedly in the corner of the Fab Four. I do acknowledge, however, the sheer stamina and staying power of The Rolling Stones.

Read Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Shine a Light” in our reviews section. View our full “Shine a Light” image gallery.

They are charismatic and charming at the same time and their history of powerful classic songs gives them a magic credibility few bands have attained. In their latest concert film – the Martin Scorsese-directed “Shine a Light” – they bring their best as they are right now despite qualifying for social security.

Filmed with a phalanx of cameras at the famed Beacon Theatre in New York City, “Shine a Light” gets right up Mick Jagger’s well-known nostrils.

Left to right: Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, director Martin Scorsese, Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood backstage during filming of the Rolling Stones concert film “Shine a Light”. Photo credit: Brigitte Lacombe

Christina Aguilera (left) and Mick Jagger performing on stage at the Beacon Theater during the Rolling Stones concert film “Shine a Light”. Photo credit: Kevin Mazur, WPC Piecemeal