Rolling Stones, Beatles | The Rolling Stones: This might be the “last time” we see them

Soft serve ice cream was somewhat exotic in the 1960s. Næstad Bakeri was located in Reina, where I grew up. The bakery also baked the “best in the world” school bread. The place was a gathering point for young people much older than me.

But Næstad Bakeri also had something quite exclusive: the Jukebox.

And I spent more money on it than school bread and ice cream. I think it cost 25 cents to hear a record – and I got five songs for a penny.

I have no idea how many times I pressed C5. Then the Rolling Stones' “Last Time” came out of the speaker.

For me, “The Last Hour” was the beginning of what I must admit has become a passion. Because after C5 in Nystad, the stones followed me, or more accurately; I've spent countless hours on their music.

I have no idea what got me hooked. At the time, it might have been a cliché, like the Stones having longer hair than the Beatles, who were mostly into pop music.

It could be the last time

The Stones were also opposed to most things, and were outsiders. The music was raw and suggestive. The fact that parents and other adults couldn't stand the Beatles' music hardly dampened my relationship with the Rolling Stones.

It says something about the “craziness” that occurred when one of the Rolling Stones, Brian Jones, died in 1969, and a friend and I wore black mourning bands.

The first opportunity to see the idols was in 1965. The dream came true. My parents, who were in love with Nora Brockstedt, had no idea to take the boy to Oslo because of “such a fuss.”

It might be a consolation today that the Stones played at the Messehallen in Sjølyst at the time. And where the hall once was, I live with my wife, who has also become enamored with Stones music.

I've been digging Stones music for 60 years. Hardly a day goes by without me hearing a Stones song or two. And there's never a Stones tour without us having a gig or two.

Because it might be the “last time” we see them.

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The Stones are best live

After seeing The Stones on stage last night (Norwegian time) in New Jersey, there's no sign that Mick Jagger, Keith Richard and Ronnie Wood are on any farewell tour.

As usual, the stones were presented as follows:

“Ladies and gentlemen! The Rolling Stones!”

Then came the famous guitar riff “Start med Up”, before boss Mick Jagger came along. We were of course served many classics, as well as some samples from the relatively recent album 'Hackney Diamonds'.

But they didn't play “the last time.”

The Stones have played over two thousand concerts (!), and a few of the players are over eighty years old, but the Stones still show a joy in playing which is impressive to say the least. To my taste, the stones are the best alive.

Speaking of age, Stones fans are getting older too. We saw the Stones in the same arena here in New Jersey just three years ago. The biggest change to the concert venue, MetLife Stadium, since then is that half of the standing area has now been converted into seating. But the amazing thing is that most people, regardless of their age, stayed for two hours, because that was the reason they stayed everyone I stood up as the Rolling Stones entered the stage.

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Soul care

At the same time, it warms the Stones' heart that so many young people go to a Stones concert.

Unlike recent Stones concerts I've attended, “Hackney Diamonds” was almost devoid of visual effects. It suits the band.

So my relationship with the Rolling Stones began with the song “Last Time.” Was it the “last hour” in the United States last night?

I don't know.

What I do know is that my Stones life is built on the following simple philosophy: As long as Jagger and company can be on stage, we can travel to a concert – wherever in the world. It is care for the soul.

“It's just rock 'n' roll, but I love it.”