The Biggest Bang doesn't seem nearly as boastful when you consider it comes from the self-proclaimed "Greatest Band On Earth," once you've been pummeled by seven hours of footage spread across four DVDs. Size matters to The Rolling Stones and they again outdo their overblown antics. Ever masters of overstatement, their unapologetic penchant for excess makes them the butt of jokes, but also sustains them. The tiny slings and arrows of their critics can't sink this preposterously large mothership of rock. The shows get bigger and ticket prices skyrocket, yet they continue to break attendance and earnings records.
The biggest HD TV cannot transmit the enormity of the stage, sound, presence, and energy of a Stones' show but The Biggest Bang comes damn close. The production is immaculate, the sound captured and mixed beautifully. The visuals are bold, but unimaginative. This is a concert film and the presentation never strays from the standard rock show.
The first two discs of this package focus on that standard rock show, with Disc 1 devoted to the Austin, Texas show and Disc 2 covering the free show in Rio de Janeiro. Both are outstanding with Austin getting a slight edge in terms of performance and Rio getting the nod for visuals. The sea of people, an estimated 1.5 million, rocking the beach is an astonishing sight.
The highlight of the Austin show is an unexpected performance of "Get Off My Cloud." Years melt away and Jagger's voice sounds younger and stronger than ever. He's lost none of his hyperactive, spastic presence and it's amazing he still finds room to improve after singing these songs for 40 years. His confidence allows him to command the stage and spectacle without a hint of self-consciousness. He shakes, struts, jerks, and sings with conviction, simultaneously energizing the band and the crowd.
Article comments
1 - JC Mosquito
I'm sure it's fine, but you gotta admit there's some Freudian angles to be played out if you add, "The Biggest Bang... for Your Buck."