Tribute to original rockers felt authentic and captured rebellious attitude

Not The Rolling Stones
Kenton Theatre
Wednesday, December 17

MICK Jagger once said: “I never thought I’d be this old and still not know what I want to be when I grow up.” Well, this was a night of timeless swagger. This premier tribute band, that plays internationally at festivals, theatres and private venues, are also delightfully like a bunch of kids.

At the Kenton, Not The Rolling Stones gave an electrifying live experience that captured the raw spirit and rebellious attitude of the originals with impressive attention to detail.

Paul Ashworth embodied Sir Mick well — from the snarling mannerisms and provocative swagger to that distinctive stage presence, he was the finest lookalike imaginable.

Adrian Pounce channelled Keith’s gritty edge and loose groove, while Joe Hazell deftly handled the interlocking guitars of both the Mick Taylor and Ronnie Wood eras. Anchored by James Stead’s steady Bill Wyman bass, Neil Findlay’s propulsive Charlie Watts rhythm and Sheryl Ryan’s swinging keyboard touches, the ensemble sounded tight yet energetic, blending rhythm and blues roots with jazz influences and later eclectic touches.

The set list spanned the band’s evolution over decades. The epic, satirical Sympathy for the Devil sounded bold and they charged through various explosive classics. Jumpin’ Jack Flash set the room alight with its riff-driven intensity, while Paint It Black brought psychedelic melancholy.

Disco-infused Miss You got the crowd on their feet dancing, and the apocalyptic masterpiece Gimme Shelter conveyed intense emotional danger. The iconic Start Me Up unleashed that legendary riff, Honky-Tonk Women oozed raunchy sexual energy and Brown Sugar retained its controversial bite. The anthem It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll (But I Like It) and breakthrough (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction closed with relentless power, leaving the audience enthusiastic and charged.

Highlights included the bluesy Wild Horses and soulful You Can’t Always Get What You Want, alongside gritty Street Fighting Man and recent hit Angry. The band’s professional yet inventive approach wove rhythm and lead into a dynamic set that felt authentic and unforgettable.

Songs I would have liked to be on the set list (but were not) were the beautiful ballad Angie and soulful Time Is on My Side but there’s never time for everything.

Not The Rolling Stones proved why this influential rock institution remains enduring and timeless.

Their performance was powerful, exciting, and infused with magic — a great celebration of the golden age and beyond. Henley’s crowd clearly loved every suggestive, mocking moment.

Anthony Weightman