The Rolling Stones Performed from a 'Bigger Bang' Album at Fresno's Save Mart Center

40 years ago, The Stones was in town. Some of the same guys, but much older and maybe a little wiser, returned to charm grandparents, grown children and grandkids. A whole generation was there at the Save Mart Center to cheer Mick Jagger and his band. Despite the steep price of the ticket, we managed to attend the concert in group. Some of us traveled from afar to attend the concert in the Central Valley.

Tickets costing $350 were sold months in advance. Back in June, they were sold in less than an hour when they went on sale. From that day on, those who wanted to attend the concert were in the hands of the scalpers who charged a high premium as the days and weeks went by. In fact, it was rumored that the Rolling Stones tickets were being auctioned on eBay and other sites such as hushstub for more than $2,000. The secondary ticket market made a sure killing. After all, the super band that defies age was coming to town. We had to have the best seats. Otherwise, we had to follow its schedule for the next performance. Nothing could distract us or keep us from attending. Not even the USC-Fresno State classic could not.

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Mick Jagger has gained lots of experience connecting with his audience. In fact, he related to his crowd by mentionning the game Fresno State had just lost to No. 1 USC. "What did you think of that game last night?" he asked. "It was that close," he answered, making a gesture with his fingers. The connection was established. He was ready to serve them "Rain Fall Down." In his own signature moves, Mick Jagger strutted, pranced, shook and waved his way through his band's large repertoire of hit songs that most people could sing to. "I tell ya...It's only Rock 'n' Roll. It's good to be here. I know I haven't been here since 1965." A lot of concertgoers were barely born when he visited Fresno. A huge number of them were not even conceived. Or their parents did not even meet yet. In fact, the band's last concert was held at Ratcliffe Stadium in May, 1965.

Josh and two of his buddies, Tyrone and Brent, traveled from Santa Barbara and Pismo Beach to attend the concert at Save Mart Center. All they cared about is to have a good time. A good time, Mick and his mates were ready to give to them! The guys met up with some friends from Bakersfield. As it is customary for Valley kids to leave the Valley floor to attend colleges or universities on the coast, they don't hesitate to return for something so big. Each one of them either had bought or have been listening to its tracks on their iPods. The band's latest album, "Bigger Band" was on their mind. They wanted the band to perform some of the numbers. Some of the tracks they like are:

1) Rough Justice- There was discussion between the guys about the verses or lyrics of this song. no matter what, they went nuts over it.

2) Let Me Down Slow- It's somewhat of a mid-temp pop rocker with good singing and meditative lyrics.

3) It Won't Take Long

4) Rain Fall Down is truly a funky track which was used during the promotion of the album. Josh and his pals said that it reminds them of "emotional Rescue."

5) Streets of Love Some critics are saying that it is one of the major mistakes on the album.

6) Back of My Hand. I personally like this track. It reminds me of some retro blues. It has good guitar-playing and harp. I did not hear the guys discuss it at all. They shut up.

7) She Saw Me Coming. This track has a reggae feel to it. The lyrics are passable.

8) Biggest Mistake. In this one, you find Mick at his best with his signature lick allegedly added for "flavor and accent."

9) This Place Is Empty

10) Oh No, Not You Again. What can I say about this one? I love the guitars and lyrics. They tend to be simple and funny. It's not easy to come up with something like that. They kept it simple here. At the same time, it is an energetic rocker which has lots of potential.

11) Dangerous Beauty. A mid-tempo guitar rocker that can be seen as a good filler

12) Laugh, I Nearly Died.

13) Sweet Neo Con

14) Look What the Cat Dragged In

15) Driving Too Fast- Generic rocker, inoffensive filler

16) Infamy- Interesting Keith song with a mid-tempo groover

Mick Jagger was wearing a feathery fedora and coat. Music and extreme fashion mixed. And Mick Jagger can do whatever he wants. He has earned his fashion rights. But you may not see too many people adopt his line. There's only one Mick Jagger. One Keith Richards. One Rolling Stones. One Bigger Bang! The Stones performed "Slipping Away," "Infamy," "Miss You," "Rough Justice," Get Off My cloud," "Honky Tonk Women," Brown Sugar," "Jumping Jack Flash," "You Can't Always Get What You Want," and almost ten minutes rendition of "I Can't Get No Satisfaction."

What I liked the most was all the theatricals, the 10-foot-by-30-foot stage, the crowd's harmony and response, sing alongs and dances. The show and the music were worth every penny. If I had to do it again, I would do it in a heartbeat. After all, it is Rock 'n' Roll with The Rolling Stones.