The Rolling Stones - Rock and Roll Circus

Home | Download | Purchase | Contact

Call Center Software:

Freeware for Call Center:

Free Internet Tools:

Net Picker

Call Center Solution:

Resources:

The Rolling Stones - Rock and Roll Circus

List Price: $19.98

Our Price: $12.73

You Save: $7.25 (36%)

Product Description

Rolling Stones Photos

Unavailable at all for nearly three decades, then issued in a VHS edition in 1996, the Rolling Stones' legendary Rock and Roll Circus finally gets the full treatment with this DVD release documenting the 1968 event. The Stones were reportedly unhappy with their performance (hence the long delay), and it isn't their finest moment; performing "Jumping Jack Flash" and a variety of songs from their then-new Beggars Banquet album, Keith Richards is game, but Jagger's preening (especially on "Sympathy for the Devil") is over the top, and guitarist Brian Jones looks dissolute and well on his way to his death the following year. A certain weirdness permeates some of the other musical acts as well: Jethro Tull lip-syncs unconvincingly, Taj Mahal and band were obliged to perform before the circus set was completed and the audience had arrived, and John Lennon's outing with impromptu supergroup the Dirty Mac (with Richards, Eric Clapton, and drummer Mitch Mitchell) is hampered by Yoko Ono's caterwauling, although their version of the Beatles' "Yer Blues" is cool. Still, the Who are brilliant, Marianne Faithfull is beautiful, the various circus acts are fun, and the crowd clearly loves it.

The DVD comes with some fascinating bonus features, including three extra songs by Mahal, some lovely classical piano by Julius Katchen, and a "quad split-screen" version of "Yer Blues." Best of all are a new interview with the Who's Pete Townshend and the various commentary tracks added for the DVD--especially those by Tull's Ian Anderson, director Michael Lindsay-Hogg, and Stones Jagger, Richards, and Bill Wyman (who dryly attributes Jagger's reluctance to issue the show to his dissatisfaction with his own performance, not the band's). Flaws notwithstanding, this is a treat. --Sam Graham

Customer Reviews:

Sights and sounds and marvels to delight your eyes and ears!

You've heard of Oxford Circus...You've heard of Picadilly Circus...and this is the Rolling Stones' Rock And Roll Circus AKA the best thing you will ever see/hear! The Stones' set is awesome; especially "Sympathy for the Devil"
(note to ladies: shirtless Jagger involved!). The Dirty Mac define rock royalty, and the "Yer Blues" version is better than the one heard on The Beatles' White Album. The Who do an AWESOME performance,(check out Moony the Loony drummer!). The only sleeper here is Marianne Faithfull (she's cute, but that's about it, if she wasn't Mick's girlfriend I'm sure she wouldn't be on here), but most likely you'll forget about any rubbish bits when you check out Yoko Ono's performance w/The Dirty Mac and the violin player. Awesome!! 5 stars!! HIGHLY recommend it!!...more info

i dont know what jaggers complaint was

I really find it mystifying that Jagger was upset with his performance & that was the reason for the hold-up. He is the same little prancing fairy here that I saw in concert in 1975 & 1978, only he sings better here.
As for so many reviews being so impressed by the Who, the material that they do has NOTHING to do with Rock n Roll, I HATED it!They should have done "Magic Bus" gotten off the stage & let John Lennon & Eric Clapton, 2 guys who can definately ROCK, do their thing.Lennons voice is amazing here. If pete Townsend wanted to do something good 4 rock, he would have gotten on stage with "dirty Mac" & smashed his guitar all over Yoko, maybe her screams would have sounded better that way.But, for the 3-4 min that "Yer Blues" lasts, It is MAGIC,probably Lennons last real moment as the ROCKER he could be when he wanted- the guy who played 8 hours a night in Hamburg - it is only too bad that none of THOSE shows exist on film!!! The Beatles in 1961 with Pete Best. The closest thing is Aug 1962 at the cavern doing "some other guy", 2 nights after Ringo joined. That is my favorite piece of rock on film, a close 2nd would be ANY film of Buddy Holly & the Crikets....more info

Rock and Roll Circus

If you are a fan of the Stones and Beatles, you should have this. Great performances by the Stones in Particular....more info

Fantastic piece of music history!!!

The moment i heard this dvd was coming out , i pretty much counted down the days until i could buy it for myself.

And i definately wasn't dissapointed.. to start things off, i just wanted to say that everyone in this show did an awesome job. (with the exception of Yoko, sorry. Funny as it is, not exactly music to my ears.)

The DVD starts off with The STones and a few other of the performers (lennon, marianne faithful, pete townshend) marching out to the centre of the "circus" while MIck gives an introduction of the show... everyone is visibly enjoying themselves at this point.

Jethro Tull are quite impressive, i never had any impression of any lip syncing or whatnot.. i think they did a great job with "song for jeffrey".

The Who put on an incredible show (one of my faves on the dvd) everyone seems to be in top shape and they really deliver on this one. Best version i've ever heard of "A quick one while hes away"

Taj Mahal was fantastic, i've never heard him before this DVD came out, and i was INSTANTLY a big fan.. fantastic voice, and i love his mix of stevie wonder, ray charles kind of stage presence. "Aint that alot of love" is a kick ass tune, and im very glad as well to have songs like "corrina" and "checkin up on my baby" included in the special features.

Marianne Faithful was a nice addition as well, she looked beautiful and graceful and sung "Something Better" in the same manner. Although, the song ended a little strangely and she looked a little less than comfortable, she did a nice job.

THE DIRTY MAC!! I cant say enough about this supergroup. They just ripped the roof off! Lennons amazing vocals , Claptons impressive guitar, Keith Richards ( looking young and DAMN GOOD! in my opinion the sexiest rocker ever in his day! ) played a steady kick ass bass , and of course Mitch Mitchell tearin it up on the drums. "yer blues" is my highlight of the DVD, and "whole lotta yoko" started out soo well as a really wicked jam, until yoko kinda butchered it, but its no bother to me, i find more amusing than anything.

and of course

The Rolling Stones
The stones have been my fave band for along time. And i very very much enjoyed their performance. and dont think in any way that their performance deserved being shelved for 30 years. Although, This is not the best of the best as far as stones performances go, but still.. its an awesome performance... i mean having to go on and play your set at like 5 in the morning after all that would definately take its toll on you.
They put on a great show nonetheless.
Mick is just locked on to the camera and in the words of pete townshend " he connects " . and he does!
Brian looks just at the end of his rope. but still manages to pull off a beautiful slide on "no expectations".
"parachute woman" has a great, raw kinda sound and vibe to it. awesome song.
Ending with "salt of the earth" , my favorite of the stones set. Everyone sits around, singing and swaying to the music looking more relaxed and kind of at ease now that things are winding down. Mick sounds tired at times, but its part of the charm of it, Keith sounds very good. And its amusing to watch the two of them swaying the backwards and forwards as the crowd goes side to side. A perfect way to close off the DVD!

If your a fan of 60s music... get this DVD!!!
...more info

acts good, circus concept poor.

the who, taj, dirty mac (john, yoko, clapton, keith) and the stones are all very good. the circus concept is slightly embarrassing, claustrophobic and doesn't work. that's why this show has never been released before now. not essential but interesting to 1960s veterans....more info

The Rolling Stones Rock & Roll Circus DVD

The product arrived in a very timely fashion in prestine condition & found it quite enjoyable! The company really takes care of thier business right!Rolling Stones - Rock and Roll Circus (Transcribed Scores)...more info

Of Course the Who Are the best -in this show

Short and sweet review here
so long and lost
yes time heals wounds
The Stones are okay
but anyone who says Jesse Ed Davis' lead solo with Taj Mahal is a highlight is missleading- Jesse misses his timing and sounds quite naked and simplistic here sorry
Marianne Faithfull looks delightful for all of her 1'30"

...more info

GREAT GIFT FOR STONES FANS

this was a gift for someone who has been a stones fan since the beginning of time and each time he watches he sees something new....he caught part of this on a public access station and loved it.. i found it here and surprised him,,,, great dvd!!!!!!!!!!!!!...more info

Surrealistic Masterpiece

This has to be my favorite "music video" of all time. This is more David Lynchian than anything David Lynch has ever produced. It is such an odd episode in time, such a weird floating bubble of brilliance. It is a Festival of the Bizarre and the Hilarious. And, in my opinion, the music is superb. Approach this with the right expectations, and you will be dazzled!!!

For starters, the colors are super-saturated, rich and deep reds and oranges and blues. It is a warm viewing experience. Every attendee is wearing a truly strange pull-over type robe with bright colors. Everyone is preternaturally happy and involved. Coupled with all the other other-worldly behavior, one wonders exactly what planet this circus tent is on. Is this a rock show, or Star Trek?

Then we have Jethro Tull take the stage. This guy jams on a petite little flute like most rock stars jam on a Flying-V. It is a great performance. Someone says it is dubbed. If so, I never even noticed, and it doesn't really matter. The ambience is one of pure elation.

Marianne Faithful is unbelievablly beautiful and elegant in a very formal performance which is in wonderful contrast to the raunchy rock festivities around her. She's wearing a beautiful dress, and she sits on the ground. Classic-beyond-belief.

The Who: Great. Daltry and Townsend are in their primes, and everyone else looks sober, even Moonie and Entwhistle.

Okay, the ultimate killer here is this: John Lennon does an awkward little comedy shtick with Mick Jagger. Lennon ends up handing Jagger his dinner plate, and Mick nibbles the left-overs. Very charming because it all seems so natural and unrehearsed. They display a fondness for and a familiarity with one another, but with a little bit of competitive edginess. Lennon actually seems like a guy attending a party or a barbeque. He does not seem to be performing here; he is participating, and having a good time. He does his little jam with Keith Richards, Clapton, and Mitch Mitchell from the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Think of that!!!! That's the equivalent of Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ronald Reagan, Churchill and Teddy Roosevelt doing a session!!!! This is monumental history folks!!!! Beyond Belief!!! And then Yoko comes out and starts screeching this painfully odd wail. The pain is deep and vast. This is where the experience become priceless: look into the faces of the musicians, look into the faces of the intimate little audience: they all look like they are about to bust out laughing at this strange noise emanating from Yoko's mouth!!! They are as astounded as we are!!!! The confusion and disbelief is palpable. John Lennon keeps on jamming, looking a little embarassed, but fully supporting his nihilistic little wife!! David Lynch must be crying as he watches this, a celluoid moment of astonishing inexplicability, contrasting vectors of logic and nuance which quite simply blow-out our normal thought processes. Try as he might, he can never match this kind of shtuff!

The the Stones climb on up and have at it. Mick steals the show. It is a 110% Stones experience in four songs.

Pete Townsend does an interview as an extra and it is worth watching as he recollects on the events of that day. He describes how Mick handled the entire project with his characteristic "responsibility and ruthlessness." Apparently Brian Jones was falling apart during the course of the filming and Mick was having to help him remain composed, as well as dealing with all the other logistics. And, Keith was literally "green" from his ingestions of God-knows-what. So, Mick has to run the show from a business perspective, and then he has to perform. I personally thought he was awesome, especially in the rendition of "Sympathy for the Devil." The man quite simply defines Larger-Than-Life-Legend as far as I'm concerned.

Folks, the four-star reviews here are missing the point just as much as the one-star reviews. Don't buy this for the music, per se. Buy this for the Overall Weird Scene Which Hails From a Bygone London Era. This is beyond mere psychedelic, this is Alternative Universe Stuff. The intimacy of it, the authentic, ad hoc nature of the entire setting, accented by little circus performers here and there. If I could chose to go back in time to this R&R Circus or to Woodstock, I would take this in a heartbeat. There's something for everybody here, and it is all good, and all strange in a friendly sort of way. It doesn't get much better in my book.

...more info

Rock and Roll In Its Element

I already owned the Circus on CD when I saw the DVD on offer here. I didn't hesitate a second. I only saw the Stones live twice (they haven't been the Stones for a loooong time now), and as this film makes clear, they are anything but an arena rock band, something the last three decades have for the most part stuck them with being. The Rock and Roll Circus, if nothing else, shows by its example how bad an idea musically arena rock was, regardless its benefits to democratic plebeian rock fans who actually get to see shows thanks to the added seats. When one thinks of it, one wonders: if this had been released immediately, as was the original intent, might we all be watching rock shows under the big top today?

Don't know, but this may account for some of the things I've heard about the Stones' performance, particularly about Mick's. It appears to be Received Wisdom that The Who torched the Stones at this gig. I'd certainly never be one to denigrate the Who's diamond-hard rendition of "A Quick One," clearly superior in my mind to the one on the expanded "Live At Leeds." There may never have been a live band to match the Who, when they had it going as they clearly did here. The Who are the punk gods of White Middle-Class Outcast Rage. Daltrey punches up his lyrics --- literally, with his fists and the mic -- with a palpaple physical anger, which each of the other band members equals in his own way. The sterling quality of the music they managed to put out while emoting like this is one of rock's Seven Wonders, and it would be hard to come up with the other Six.

But in my humble, the Stones give them a major run for their money here. Mick's performance, often panned as over the top, is from my view classic Mick, all the way through. He has his awkward moments, for sure. The Stones were playing a new music now, demanding a different onstage group persona from the songs they'd played before screaming teens in the mid-sixties, and the Circus shows Mick trying it on for size. He pops a couple of stitches and loses a button or two (and, of course, pulls off his shirt), but he succeeds, in the end, grandly. As Pete Townshend puts it in his interview here, Jagger's the only Circus musician to be looking through the camera at an audience 30 years down the road. Watch him; Townshend's right. I've been a Stones fan for more than 30 years, and I think that if you want to see the Stones doing what only they can - could once - do, this DVD may be the best place. It's at least one of them. If you are a Mick Jagger connoisseur in particular, this performance is essential. (Same for The Who; same for John Lennon.) It shows much of the arena posturing Mick's been doing for the last 30 years for the hollow sendup of himself that it is. And remember that the Stones - including among their number the key organizer of the event as lead singer - came on at the scrag end of what college kids would call an all-nighter; the Who were not only fresh from the road but nowhere near normal bedtime when they went on.

Brian Jones? I was prepared from reviews I read here for a real zombie, but I have to give the man some credit. (Actually, lots, given his state at the time.) The CD credits him, but you have no idea from the sound alone what he's playing. His guitar does seem turned down to the point of inaudibility on "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want," to the extent that I originally thought that Keith was the only guitarist on those numbers. Now that we can see it, though, there's no question who's playing that delicious slide lead on "No Expectations." Brian still had enough to contribute, much more than the maracas he's handed for "Sympathy for the Devil," which makes what was going on in the band at the time, and what happened to him only months later, all the sadder.

Keith Richards holds that the band just expected more of their performance; they were disappointed, and as he puts it in his voice-over commentary, a bit harsh on themselves and ignorant of the significance of the event notwithstanding the performances. So, they shelved it. And Keith says they eventually were sorry they did.

Jethro Tull, so far as I can tell, was the only act (other than Marianne Faithfull) to perform over a backing track. This need arose, apparently, when the departure of Mick Abrahams shortly before the Circus forced Tull to press future Black Sabbath metalmeister Tony Iommi into service as the session guitarist. (Interestingly, the CD credits Abrahams and makes no mention of Iommi.) As Ian Anderson reveals, an "industrial accident" had forcibly removed a few of Iommi's fingertips, making him, apparently, unsuited for the more subtle filigrees of the evolving Tull guitar style. In addition, the close-on harmonica and flute parts Anderson had put on the record version were impossible to duplicate live; bassist Glen Cornick thus winds up wearing a Dylan-style harp holder while he "plays" over the harp track. That was, apparently, the only lip-synching; according to his own testimony, Anderson both sang and played his own way through the song. (And if he's lipping, he's doing one heckuva job.) It is significant that -- again other than Faithfull's -- Tull's song is the only one that sounds pretty much like the album version.

Performances (OK, Yoko, if you call that a performance and John agrees, so will we) aside, this is incredible fun, one heck of a period piece, and stuffed as well with great still photographs and voice-over comments from key participants. One word of warning: unless you are much more of a pro than I am at adapting your remote to the nuances of a particular DVD, getting at those nifty additions (and turning them off) will, well, give you some moments.

Suffer them. They are worth it in ways that rare experiences just are.

And one more note: if you don't have the CD, you might want it too. Not only is the music good enough to survive in your car; the deluxe booklet that comes with it features several photos (and two bangup articles by eyewitness David Dalton) that you can't get with the DVD....more info

Flawed but Beautiful

The performance the Stones gave here is stronger than history gives it credit for being. It didn't measure up to the standard they set a year later when they went on tour in North America though. Jagger, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts were in good form. Keith Richards was strong but doesn't show the sure touch that characterized his work over the year that followed. Brian Jones gave some decent slide work during their performance of "No Expectations" but his presence here was really erratic. His rhythm guitar work on "You Can't Always Get What You Want" is strong, but only after he blows a cue badly. In their performance of "Sympathy for the Devil" he seems as if he's barely even involved.

"Jumpin' Jack Flash" gets a good (if restrained) reading. "Parachute Woman" and "No Expectations" are songs that shine in an intimate setting such as what was created here. They don't disappoint. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and "Sympathy for the Devil" are two of their most enduring numbers. With the exception of the aforementioned cue missed by Jones both numbers get strong readings. "Salt of the Earth" is one of their great anthems. Strong melody, strong arrangement and powerful lyrics: this one has it it all. They appear to have sung it live alongside a backing tape that supplied the instrumental arrangement. It was a long day for everyone involved and Jagger's voice was showing the strain. His voice is really rough through a few of the verses. It doesn't hurt anything though. It adds to the intimacy of the moment and reflects an honesty that's often lacking now.

The best performances come from the Who and Taj Mahal. The Who's reading of "A Quick One While He's Away" is legendary. This footage has been available since the release of "The Kids are Alright" back in 1979 and it lives up to its reputation. Taj Mahal's performance of "Ain't That a Lot of Love" is the tightest musically from any of the performers. The song is a good one. Anyone listening closely will hear forms that dominated much of popular music about ten years later. This bit would be worth a look for that alone. The presence of Jesse Ed Davis should make it a must have. His playing was a model of taste, restraint and technique that has stood the test of time.

Not all of the performers featured had one their "best ever" moments here though. Jethro Tull was a new band at the time and were still finding their form. Marianne Faithfull gets off to a great start but only sings for a minute and a half. After that the instrumental track fades out while she sits there looking angelically blasted. The lady always could sing though. That big minute and a half is well worth watching (even if the way it finishes is strange). John Lennon and his side band the Dirty Mac gave a strong rendition of "Yer Blues" but they look as if they could have used a bit more time to really pull things together. They all read each other's musical cues well enough but the bond that could have been formed by (drummer) Mitch Mitchell and Eric Clapton hadn't really cemented to the point where they could take a thread and run a race with it. Yoko Ono (who crawled into a bag for the first number) ruins what could have been a great jam between the Dirty Mac and (violinist) Ivry Gitlis.

There are other areas where the show fell short. The entry scene is amateurish. Jagger, Richards and the rest are better as musicians than as Masters of Ceremonies. The introductions they provide for the various performers range between poor, lame and completely crippled. The comedy bit between Lennon and Jagger is even worse. Lennon's introduction of the Stones is beyond sad. The sections featuring the circus acts should have been left on the cutting room floor. The quality of the sound is also not as good as it could be. It's clear enough but doesn't ascend to the standard the people who re-mastered the print of "The Kids are Alright" hit when they restored that segment of the footage.

The special features added for the DVD reveal the scope of the ambition that lay behind this project. And they were grand ambitions. It wasn't common to bring classical music to a pop audience but the Stones (probably at the urging of Brian Jones) did it. His enthusiasm for this segment is clear. Katchen plays the Ritual Fire Dance by Manuel de Falla and the first movement of the Sonata in C (K. 545) by Mozart. There are three additional tracks from Taj Mahal as well. The interview with Pete Townshend is Townshend giving the type of overview that's unique to Pete Townshend. He really is one of a kind.

This is more of a time capsule than a concert video. It was filmed for television and the variables surrounding the production reflect that. The stage area is small as was the norm for television. The set around the stage was small as well. The lighting is bright and vivid. The print itself is filled with rich and vibrant pastoral hues. Dialogue between "hosts" and guests is typical of the period as well. The show itself was an intimate one that reflects the pop culture of the era accurately. It's erratic at times but has an honesty about it that's rare in the industry now. There's no lip-synching. The warts were allowed to show. Most of the people who worked together on this show were friends who grew into the industry together. The final moments of the show have a communal feel about them because they capture a sense of that.

Is this show perfect? No. Is it beautiful? Yes....more info

Surrealistic Masterpiece

All Star Lineup

This was a true delight. Every band played very well and the sound and video quality are top notch for the time. I have to say "The Who" stole the show with "A Quick One While He's Away" but the rest of the footage is also top notch. This shows the Stones in their peak other than Brian who seems to be somewhere else. The closeups of John Lennon cutting up with Mick in his true sarcastic style is very revealing. the only drawback was the goofy audience participation which thankfully was kept to a minimum..A must have for any true sixties affecionado.....

CREATURE...more info

The Rolling Stones - Rock and Roll Circus

The gem of this video is the excellent performance by the Who. Truly extraordinary to see these guys at their peak. "A Quick One While He Is Away" caught the avid interest of my college age son who quickly found the song on ITunes and donwloaded it. This tune is an obvious precursor to the Tommy album. The other performances are of interest to fans of late sixties groups. The jam by John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and friends is great but one has to have a certain sensibility to appreciate the Yoko Ono vocals. The Rolling Stones are pretty good but one might think they are a bit tired. As I understand it this one day (+) shoot had the Stones performance last and in the wee hours of the morning. Still a great treasure from a golden age of Rock and Roll. ...more info

It's a Circus!

Many of our favorite rock heros reappear in their youth--fasicnating and fun--Jagger does fine, so can't understand why he held this up for so long....more info

stones, the who and lenon

filmed in one magical day this is the best rock video in the world. I dare anyone NOT to get up and dance when Taj Mahal is on. Buy this DVD now !! and see real rock and roll...more info

Rock and Roll Circus

Very fun. Loved Mary Ann Faithfull and Mick Jagger was so young and pretty and full of energy and full of himself. GREAT!...more info

More Stones video footage??

This is a great show in itself, a one-time only gathering of the greats, and one of the few times that you can actually see the original Stones with Brian Jones playing together. "Gimme Shelter" is almost a polar opposite in comparison, this being filmed around the time after "Satanic Majesties" and right around "Beggars Banquet". I wish the "Jumpin Jack Flash" promo had been included in the DVD.

A point off for the variety show concept and the Stones not being up to par (compared to the Who that night, only Hendrix would've been able to pull out all the stops), but they still sounded great, but Lennon delivers with "Yer Blues" in a truly all-star band.

Tull (pre-Aqualung) does a decent job (Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi fills in this one time), Marianne circa '68 sounds totally out of place there, and because John and Yoko were glued together at the time, she did her "performance piece" that makes her and John sound like goofy kids making noise "just because" even though her later albums are actually good.

It's a huge part of rock history encapsulated in this DVD. Every so often, you'll watch it, but it's not "Last Waltz". ...more info

Great.. and greater!

All these years, I wanted to listen to it. Now I own it! The Stones were absolutely fabulous. It is so great (and sad) to see Brian Jones in his last year. If I'd only known Dirty Mac was a group composed of Lennon (Beatles), Clapton (Cream), Keith Richards (Stones) and Mitch Mitchell (Hendrix Experience) - from the top 4 groups of the time. The only disappointment was that the inspirational 'Yer Blues' was followed by 'Yer Bitch'....more info

6 Stars for The Who, 4 for Everything Else

1968
The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus takes an interesting look back at the music scene of the late 60's. In doing so, it creates some of the finer and classic performances one may ever see, and some just worth skipping. The show takes you back to a time where some of these bands were just starting and others were looking for that hit and success to put them in the same league as the Stones for example.

The show begins with Jagger's circus-like introduction where he is the ringmaster. These little circus bits continue throughout the show and one can expect to find many things that are in real circuses. These include trapeze type people, and those who enjoy lighting themselves on fire. But they are enjoyable and worth a watch or two. Although some people may have wanted them out, it's a CIRCUS people.

The first performance comes from "Jethrooo Tull" who attempt to delight us with "A Song for Jeffery". It's no spectacular performance and its really more fun to just LOOK at the guys instead of listen (they're funny looking). Although the flute is an interesting little gimmick, it doesn't really fit in and it becomes quite obvious as to why Tull's performance is considered just a decent rendition of "Jeffery". But that's all right, it's early in their career and nobody really wanted to see them.

After this, comes one of the greatest performances ever put to film. Those cameras were barely worthy in putting their lenses on The Who performing "A Quick One (While He's Away). Let me be yet another person to confirm that The Who do indeed, steal the show. The Stones weren't expecting this at all and it shows later. Townshend windmills himself half to death, Daltrey sings and shrieks wildly yet well, Entwistle plays some of the most insane bass riffs of the time, while Moon is, dare I say it, a loon, proving why he is one of the most exciting drummers of all time.

Following a tough act, Taj Mahal doesn't fail to deliver. Although I didn't know much about them at the time, and I still don't, I must say that they do give a most enjoyable performance that even someone who doesn't really like them can still sit through. Marianne Faithful's performance is forgettable though. Nothing outstanding from a hardly outstanding performer and singer. The Dirty Mac however, give a mix of an incredible performance, and an absolutely annoying performance. The good part is "Yer Blues", which sadly, is better than the Beatles, mainly because of Clapton (the guy can PLAY). The second is maybe worth watching once, just to feel complete. This is caused by Yoko, who after her yelling, destroys a possibly nice jam.

Next is the Rolling Stones. Their performance is decent, but nothing to The Who. Yes, it is true that Jagger goes over the top, especially on "Sympathy for the Devil", but there are some particularly nice gems, like "No Expectations", and "You Can't Always Get What You Want". So, to sum it all up for those who did not feel like reading this long review, this film is definitely worth checking out, and I do highly recommend just getting, as it captures some of the magic that was the 60's....more info

A Sixties Flashback

This is a fascinating piece of rock and roll history, and puts to rest once and for all the ridiculous claim that Brian Jones was incapable of contributing anything musically by 1968. E.g. his slide guitar work on "No Expectations" is perfect here, and he's one of the only performers who seems to be smiling and having a good time. Nearly everyone else seems to be laboring heavily through this circus.

Another notable thing about this show is the remarkably bad physical condition of John Lennon. It was filmed close to the nadir of John's heroin habit. He actually calls Jagger "My-dell". Just plain sad to see. By the end of the show, Marianne Faithfull is hiding her face from view, Keith Richards looks like he's ready to kill someone, Pete Townshend has a seat cushion wrapped around his head and is flailing himself into the crowd, and Keith Moon is busy being Keith Moon.

Watch closely for the audio man getting caught up in "Parachute Woman" and ducking out of the camera's way -- it's a riot.
...more info

Rock and Roll and one of it's finest moments

Wow. As a 14 year old classic rock fan writing reviews for his dad, I must say this is one of the best classic rock DVD's of all time.

A quick history: Orginally ment to be a touring circus/rock show act including the Stones, Who, and Small Faces was scrapped in turn for a filmed movie. Tajmahal and Jethro Tull were invited along with Mick Jaggar's girlfriend Marianne Faithfull. The Small Faces left the project because of lack of intrest.

The Acts themselves:

Jethro Tull: A good effort. But as Amazon said, looks like lip-synching. "Song for Jeffery"

The Who- You can see why the Stones felt upstaged by them. This is one of the Who's greatest performances. "A Quick one while he's Away"

Taj Mahal- Well done, very down to earth job. "Aint That a lot of Love"

Marianne Faithfull- Very beautiful. Great Voice and good performance. "Something Better"

Dirty Mac- Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Mitch Mittchel, and John Lennon. Awesome. Great cover of Lennon's "Yer Blues". Then Yoko Ono comes on and starts wailing into the microphone unattractively during a new song "Whole Lotta Yoko". Dissapointing is the latter.

The Rolling Stones: The meat of the DVD. For the most part an amazing job especially on "Jumping Jack Flash" and "Sympathy for the Devil". Sometimes Mick gets a little too carried away on "Sympathy for the Devil" but redeems himself on "No Expectations"
and "You Can't always get what you Want". Brian Jones looks really out of it and almost starts crying towards the end of the performance. Also Keith Richards looks stoned out of his mind. But still, an excellent performance and the best part of the DVD.

Between some of the songs are quick little circus acts. They don't hurt the movie of add anything to it. But they are nice to have.

The Extras:
More songs by Tajma Hal and great interview with Pete Townshend. Townshend gives great insights on the whole thing including it's roots and the experience.

Over all an awesome DVD. I just recived this for my birthday. A great gift and essential for any Classic Rock fan....more info

If it was just one song I'd still get it...

The Who make this one worth the price of admission all by themselves; anything else you might enjoy here (don't get me wrong, it's pretty good) is pure gravy....more info

a hoot and a holler under the big top

A very decent little concert! The stones allegedly pulled it because the who outshined them (which they did... sort of), but the big reason to grab this one is the had to find little bits, John Lennon and Mick talking over a bowl of noodles, The Dirty Mac band, with Clapton and Lennon on guitars and keith richards on bass, with Mitch Mitchell on drums and yoko in a plastic bag as "the darkness" is just great. If you're looking for definitive performances of these bands, this dvd may not be for you. But if you want some insight into what the swingin' 60's and early 70's rock scene was all about, pick this up. Hell, at this price, pick it up anyway....more info

The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus

If you're a classic rock fan you're going to love this! Not just the "Stones", but Taj Mahal, Jethro Tull, John Lennon,Clapton.. and a few more oldies but goodies. Fantastic fun with great music. Enjoy!...more info

sypmathy for the stones?

ok ok ok, so the stones did not play their best(well mainly mick jagger). but i still feel that they played damn good, and no one upstaged them!
yes the who were grand, and awesome, but the stones totally dominate. i mean, they have the song sympahty for the devil!
that song alone tears up all the other acts.
and little known fact, the jethro tull performance is worth it cuz none other than TONY IOMI from black sabbath!!!!

so is the dvd worth it?

HELL YES! i am a huge stones and who fan, and tull is cool, and clapton is awsome in this. so it was a dream come true. the dirty mac was funny and great and awkward all at the same time.

i mean there was lennon going "come on honey, you can do it"

clapton is just thinking "what the hell am i doing here"

richards is totally stoned of heroin and weed.

yoko ono is wailing like she has a pair.

and mitch mitchell is just happy to be playing.

so all in all, BUY THIS@!...more info

Rarity Achieve

A real video history of a time gone by. Excellent performances from Dirty Mac and The Who. The Who stole the show. Probably the reason the show was buried for over three decades....more info