The Rolling Stones - From The Vault: Hampton Colesium Live In 1981

The Rolling Stones - From The Vault: Hampton Coliseum Live In 1981 is an unprecedented visual experience, directly from the vaults of the iconic rock band: The Rolling Stones. This concert film captures one of the band's legendary live performances and is a glaring testament to the perennial status of the Stones. This electrifying spectacle features Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, and Bill Wyman, in one of their most iconic tours of their career, in the anarchic and free-spirited '80s.

This film is a literal time capsule, which transports you back to December 18, 1981, when rock and roll was in its rawest form, music was primal, palpable and the Rolling Stones were the apotheosis of rock royalty. The concert was the first ever live music broadcast on pay-per-view television. This particular program was shot and broadcasted from Hampton Roads in Virginia, at the Hampton Coliseum.

Directed by the talented team at Eagle Rock Entertainment, the film is not merely a concert film but an authentic recording of rock n roll history, capturing the essential elements of what make a Rolling Stones' performance morph into an unparalleled phenomenon. The filmmakers effectively balance a blended perspective, giving the viewers full coverage of the performance from various angles, along with close-ups of the dynamic interactions between band members.

The movie starts dramatically with the band members emerging on stage amidst deafening cheers from a frenzied crowd. The palpable energy and the overwhelming enthusiasm is undeniable as the team starts belting out some of their greatest hits. The cinematography and set staging, combined with the Stones' music, create a hypnotic atmosphere, where viewers feel as though they are part of the crowd.

What carries this film is the eternal charm and audacious flamboyance of the Rolling Stones themselves. Mick Jagger, in particular, shines as the dynamic and energetic frontman, captivating with vibrant clothing and his well-known on-stage antics. Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood power through the evening with their skillful guitar work, while Charlie Watts seamlessly provides the backbone with his drumming, and Bill Wyman skillfully engrosses himself with the bass.

The set list includes several of the band's most loved hits like 'Start Me Up', which had just been released and therefore brings a concept of newness in the less familiar territory. The old favourites like 'Under My Thumb', 'Let's Spend the Night Together', 'You Can't Always Get What You Want', 'Tumbling Dice', and 'Brown Sugar' were also passionately delivered, reminding us why we revere the Rolling Stones so much.

One highlight of the concert is Keith Richards confronting a fan who rushed on stage with his guitar; that scene's authentic, wild spirit truly captures the essence of rock and roll's unpredictability and spontaneity. The band, unperturbed, continues their performance, a testimony to their professionalism and dedication to their music and fans.

However, what truly sets the film apart is the raw and untamed power of live performances. It is not strictly polished, but its authenticity shows the band in their true element, offering viewers a glimpse behind the polished facade of the music industry. This isn't just a concert, it's an experience.

Overall, From The Vault: Hampton Coliseum Live In 1981 serves up an electrifying, nostalgic—and at times, poignant—feast for long-time Rolling Stones fans, who have followed the band throughout their rollercoaster career. It's also a brilliant introduction to the uninitiated, allowing them to experience the allure of one of the most beloved bands in history.

This concert film is a must-see for any music lover or anyone interested in the history of rock and roll. It's a physical reminder of the wildness and liberation embodied by a Rolling Stones concert. It is not just an insight into a crucial part of the Rolling Stones' history, but a mesmerizing experience in pure rock and roll. Brace yourself for a musical journey unlike any other. So, dial back the clock, pump up the volume and let 'The World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band' transport you back to 1981.