It's Only Rock 'N' Roll (But I Like It)
Ladies and gentlemen, it is finally happening. One of the greatest and storied bands in the long history of rock 'n' roll music will appear, front and center, at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
The Rolling Stones, who will make their sixth overall appearance in the city of New Orleans (their first since 2018) and their first-ever (but not for the lack of wanting and trying) at Jazz Fest on May 2. Sure, it's been a rocky road getting here (heart valve replacements and pandemics be damned), but we can collectively thank our lucky stars that the wait is over.
When you throw in guitar greats Neil Young and George Thorogood, you'll have to prepare for a severely rocking second weekend of Jazz Fest, one that will perhaps be unrivaled in the festival's history. Where else could classic rock fans possibly want to be than at the Fair Grounds in May?
THE ROLLING STONES
FESTIVAL STAGE| THURSDAY, MAY 2 | 5 P.M.
Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood—these names are legendary in the history of rock 'n' roll. As amazing as it sounds, these guys have been recording music and touring arenas for the last 60 years (the last 50 of which was with Wood). You may know them by their logo, the glossy red lips and tongue, and you most certainly remember their numerous rock anthems, including "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash."
With over 200 million albums sold, they are among the best-selling artists of all time. They've topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart eight times. Sure, it's less than half of the number ones that their '60s rivals, the Beatles, had, but they've been around about 54 years longer than them, so that, in and of itself, is a huge accomplishment. In addition, the two original members have undoubtedly crossed over into our precious pop culture pantheon. We have a lead singer who has become idolized for his youthful vigor and spirited gyrations onstage (Elvis Presley once amusingly referred to him as a "crazed chicken on LSD"), and the iconic guitarist is a living specimen whose mere existence argues that a life of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll is somehow death defying. While it has been five years since this legendary band last graced the Crescent City, you can make it a point to experience what could very well be their last concert on New Orleans soil, as they have to slow down some time.
NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE
FESTIVAL STAGE| SATURDAY, MAY 4 | 5:30 P.M.
Many were sore that Young's music hadn't returned to Spotify over two years after the Joe Rogan issue, but great news, friends, he's back on Spotify, and you can still buy a Saturday pass and experience what it's like to "Keep on Rockin' in the Free World." This living legend started out in 1966 as a member of Buffalo Springfield, became the off-and-on fourth member of the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and has been touring with Crazy Horse since 1969.
Do yourself a favor and listen to "Down by the River" from Everybody Knows This is Nowhere, and you just may have a new, favorite classic track of guitar wizardry. On more than one occasion, upon blasting it in the direction of people, this comment was uttered, "Man, that sounds good." Just understand that this is one of the highest praises you can get from one music fan to another. As for Young, his collaborations are endless. He's played with everyone from the Monkees to Pearl Jam, and he'll be bearing his musical "Heart of Gold" in New Orleans on Saturday night.
GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS
BLUES TENT | SUNDAY, MAY 5 | 5:40 P.M.
Closing out this historic weekend is none other than George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers, a band that is truly "Bad to the Bone." On Sunday, May 5, you'll be beckoned to grab "One Bourbon, One Scotch, and One Beer," and belly up to the stage to witness this consummate rock star in action. Sure, you could "Drink Alone" and stream his hits, but wouldn't it be more fun ending this once-in-a-lifetime weekend with a colossal bang beside nearly half a million of your closest friends? And as you find yourself in awe of classic rock's preeminent "boogie" blues guitarist, keep in mind that his performance will be taking place nearly 46 years to the week after he first played in NOLA at the long-revered Jed's Bar on Oak Street.
If you're a fan of good, old-fashioned rock 'n' roll music, be sure to visit the Fair Grounds beginning on May 2. Keep on rocking, friends, and we'll see y'all at the festival.
