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The Rolling Stones have reached the point where even a concert with only 18 songs somehow sparks debate. In Gelsenkirchen, the conversation wasn’t about whether Mick Jagger could still outrun musicians half his age—that question was settled years ago—but whether a shorter setlist could match the band’s usual marathon performances. The answer isn’t entirely straightforward. Between a breathtaking Midnight Rambler, an emotional Wild Horses, and another impressive display from Steve Jordan behind the drums, the night offered plenty to celebrate, even if a few fans quietly wondered where that missing nineteenth song had disappeared to.
July 27, 2022: Veltins-Arena, Genselkirchen, Germany (Mick, Keith and Ronnie, Sixty European tour) Street Fighting Man/Let’s Spend The Night Together/Tumbling Dice/Out Of Time/Wild Horses/You Can’t Always Get What You Want/Living In A Ghost Town/Honky Tonk Women/Band introduction/Slipping Away/Connection/Miss You/Midnight Rambler/Paint It Black/Start Me Up/Gimme Shelter/Jumpin’ Jack Flash/Sympathy For The Devil/Satisfaction *All photos by Thorsten Seiffer
Another Confident Performance in Gelsenkirchen
The Rolling Stones returned to Gelsenkirchen with another solid performance on the Sixty Tour, playing the Veltins Arena just one day after Mick Jagger’s 79th birthday. Although the 18-song setlist left some fans wishing for a little more, the band’s energy never really dipped. Jagger looked anything but tired, moving constantly across the stage while delivering strong vocals and joking with the audience after they surprised him with a spontaneous rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood continued to show the chemistry that has defined the Stones for decades, while Steve Jordan once again proved why he has fit so naturally into the band. Fans from across Europe—and even overseas—filled the arena, creating a lively atmosphere despite the industrial setting.
Great Moments Despite a Few Complaints
For many Midnight Rambler was the clear highlight of the evening. The extended performance featured inspired guitar interplay between Keith and Ronnie, reminding everyone how effective the Stones can still be when they stretch out a blues number. Wild Horses also received widespread praise thanks to its emotional vocals and delicate guitar work, while Keith’s Slipping Awayand Connection added welcome variety.
Not everything worked perfectly. The closed roof created noticeable echoes in parts of the stadium, with opinions on the sound varying depending on seating location. Several fans also felt Ronnie Wood had a quieter night than usual, although he finished strongly during the closing songs.
Despite concerns about the shorter setlist and the lack of fresh song selections, the overall reaction remained highly positive. The Stones once again demonstrated that, even after six decades, they can still deliver a memorable rock show.
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