As a pre-adolescent Keith Richards wannabe, this writer saw the Rolling Stones at Madison Square Garden, the day after Thanksgiving, 1969. A legendary show. Monkey Man, Love in Vain. Satisfaction. And a tour that would soon be defined by that fatal incident at Altamont.

A bit later, this same spectator caught up with Jagger and Company at Shea Stadium for the Steel Wheels extravaganza. "How long has it been?" we asked ourselves casually. The answer was bloodcurdling. Unspeakable.