From Start to Finish: Inside the Rolling Stones No Filter Tour Setlist

Rock and roll legends, the Rolling Stones, are no strangers to putting on unforgettable live performances. Their No Filter tour, which kicked off in 2017 and spanned over three years, was no exception. Fans from around the world eagerly awaited their chance to hear the classics and new hits alike, as the band traveled across North America before becoming one of Europe’s hottest concert tours. But have you ever wondered what goes into creating the setlist for such an iconic tour? From start to finish, the Rolling Stones carefully curated a list of songs that would satisfy both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the process behind the Rolling Stones’ No Filter tour setlist, and how they managed to keep the energy high night after night. Get ready to rock and roll with the greatest band in the world as we explore the inner workings of their unforgettable tour.

The importance of the setlist in concerts

A concert is not just about the music; it’s an experience. The setlist plays a crucial role in creating that experience. A well-crafted setlist can make or break a concert, as it sets the tone for the entire performance. It can take the audience on a journey, evoke emotions, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The Rolling Stones are masters at creating a setlist that does just that.

How the Rolling Stones create their setlist

Creating a setlist for a tour is not an easy task, especially for a band like the Rolling Stones, who have a vast catalog of hits spanning over five decades. The process starts with a list of songs the band wants to play, which is then narrowed down to fit the time constraints of the show. Mick Jagger, the band’s lead singer, takes charge of creating the setlist, and he spends hours poring over the list, trying to find the perfect order of songs.

Jagger takes into consideration the audience’s preferences at various European destinations, the venue, and the energy of the band. He also likes to mix things up by adding new songs, deep cuts, and rearranging the order of the hits. Jagger believes that a good setlist should take the audience on a journey, with highs and lows, and moments of excitement and reflection.

The opening act and their setlist

The opening act can also play a significant role in setting the tone for the concert. The Rolling Stones are known for choosing up-and-coming acts to open for them, giving them a chance to showcase their talent to a massive audience. The opening act’s setlist is carefully chosen to complement the Rolling Stones’ setlist, while also showcasing their unique sound.

For the No Filter tour, the opening acts included artists like the Struts, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and Kaleo. Each act brought their own energy to the stage, and their setlist helped to build anticipation for the Rolling Stones’ performance.

Breakdown of the Rolling Stones’ setlist – from start to finish

The Rolling Stones’ No Filter setlist was a perfect blend of classic hits and new songs. The show opened with “Street Fighting Man,” a song that was written during the Vietnam War protests and still resonates today. It was followed by “Let’s Spend the Night Together,” a fan favorite that had the entire crowd singing along.

The setlist continued with hits like “Tumbling Dice,” “Sympathy for the Devil,” and “Paint It Black,” interspersed with newer songs like “Ride ‘Em On Down” and “Just Your Fool.” Midway through the show, the band slowed things down with “Angie,” a ballad that had the audience swaying along.

The energy picked back up with “Midnight Rambler” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” before ending the main set with “Brown Sugar.” The encore included “Gimme Shelter,” “Satisfaction,” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” leaving the crowd wanting more.

Fan favorites and surprises in the setlist

The Rolling Stones are known for their hits, and the No Filter setlist did not disappoint. The classics like “Start Me Up” and “Honky Tonk Women” had the audience dancing and singing along. But the setlist also included some unexpected surprises, like “Play With Fire,” a song that had not been played live in over 25 years.

Another surprise was the inclusion of acoustic versions of “Sweet Virginia” and “Dead Flowers,” which gave the audience a chance to hear a different side of the band. The setlist also included songs from their latest album, “Blue and Lonesome,” which showcased the band’s bluesy roots.

Setlist changes throughout the tour

The Rolling Stones are known for changing up their setlist throughout a tour, and the No Filter tour was no exception. The band likes to keep things fresh by adding new songs, rearranging the order of the hits, and even dropping some fan favorites.

One of the most significant changes on the No Filter tour was the addition of “Fool to Cry,” a song that had not been played live since 1999. The band also dropped “Get Off of My Cloud” and “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It)” from the setlist, much to the disappointment of some fans.

Reviews of the No Filter Tour setlist

The Rolling Stones’ No Filter tour setlist received rave reviews from fans and critics alike. The New Yorker described the setlist as “a seamless mix of classics and new songs that kept the energy high throughout the show.”

Rolling Stone magazine praised the band’s decision to include lesser-known songs like “Play With Fire,” calling it “a testament to the band’s versatility and enduring legacy.” The setlist was also praised for its pacing, with the band expertly building up to the climactic encore.

The impact of the setlist on the overall concert experience

The Rolling Stones’ No Filter setlist played a crucial role in creating a memorable concert experience. The setlist took the audience on a journey, with highs and lows, and moments of reflection and excitement. It showcased the band’s versatility, from their bluesy roots to their rock and roll hits.

The setlist also included surprises and unexpected moments, keeping the audience engaged and on their toes. Overall, the setlist played a significant role in creating an unforgettable concert experience that fans will remember for years to come.

Conclusion – the Rolling Stones’ legacy and the power of a well-crafted setlist

The Rolling Stones’ No Filter tour setlist is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and the power of a well-crafted setlist. The setlist showcased the band’s versatility, energy, and ability to connect with their audience, both old and new.

The process of creating a setlist is not an easy one, but the Rolling Stones have mastered it. They carefully curate a list of songs that will satisfy both die-hard fans and newcomers alike, taking the audience on a journey that they will never forget.

In the end, the Rolling Stones’ No Filter tour setlist is more than just a list of songs; it’s an experience, a journey, and a testament to the band’s enduring legacy. If you get the chance to see them live, even if it requires a vacation to Europe, do it. You won’t regret it.