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More than five decades after crashing out of London clubs and into rock history, The Rolling Stones proved at the London Stadium in 2018 that nostalgia alone doesn’t fill stadiums—pure attitude does. While most bands from the ’60s are discussed like museum exhibits, the Stones still perform like they’ve got something to prove. Fueled by timeless anthems, swagger, and the chaotic chemistry that made songs like Jumpin’ Jack Flash legendary, the band turned a hometown show into a reminder that rock ’n’ roll was never meant to age politely. Somehow, decades later, they still sound louder, looser, and far more alive than bands half their age.
May 25, 2018: London Stadium, London, England Jumpin’ Jack Flash/Let’s Spend The Night Together/It’s Only Rock’n Roll/Tumbling Dice/Just Your Fool/ Dead Flowers/Wild Horses*/You Can’t Always Get What You Want/Paint It Black/Honky Tonk Women/Band introduction/The Worst/ Happy/ Sympathy For The Devil/Miss You/Midnight Rambler/Start Me Up/Brown Sugar/Gimme Shelter/Satisfaction *With guest Florence Welch All photos by Hendrik Mulder
The Rolling Stones Take Over London Stadium
On May 25, 2018 The Rolling Stones stormed into the London Stadium and delivered the kind of show that politely silences anyone still asking if rock bands can age gracefully. From the second they hit the stage, the energy was ridiculous—in the best possible way. Mick Jagger sprinted, danced, and worked the crowd like someone who clearly ignored the concept of slowing down decades ago. Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood traded riffs and laughs with the relaxed confidence of guys who practically invented this whole arena-rock thing, while Charlie Watts anchored everything with his cool, effortless groove. The atmosphere felt less like a concert and more like a massive celebration of survival, swagger, and songs that refuse to die. Fans of every generation packed the stadium for a night that somehow felt nostalgic, historic, and completely alive all at once.
Still Rolling Strong After All These Years
What made this night at the London Stadium so unforgettable wasn’t just the performance—it was the connection. There was a genuine sense of joy between The Rolling Stones and the crowd, the kind you rarely see once bands start collecting “legacy act” labels. Smiles everywhere, hands in the air, thousands singing every word like it was still 1969. And honestly, after more than 55 years on the road, shouldn’t they be slowing down by now? Apparently not. Mick Jagger still moved like the laws of time simply don’t apply to him, while Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood traded riffs with the same loose chemistry they had back in the club days. Charlie Watts, as always, kept everything grounded with that calm, unshakable groove. For a band that once played tiny London clubs like the Crawdaddy in the early ’60s before conquering the world, returning home in 2018 felt symbolic—a full-circle moment for rock royalty. It wasn’t just a concert; it was proof that the spirit of rock ’n’ roll can survive decades, trends, and every prediction of its death. The Stones didn’t just revisit their past that night—they reminded everyone they were still writing it.
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