The Rolling Stones began ‘Hackney Diamonds’ tour in Houston (pics, set

After visiting NASA, The Rolling Stones began their “Hackney Diamonds” North American tour supporting last year’s album of the same name at Houston’s NRG Stadium last night (4/28). They kicked off with “Start Me Up,” and proceeded to play three songs from Hackney Diamonds (including the live debut of “Mess It Up”), plus tons of other classics, including “Get Off Of My Cloud,” “Rocks Off,” “Out of Time,” “Beast of Burden,” “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” “Sympathy for the Devil,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Miss You,” “Paint It Black,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” and more. In a review for USA Today, Melissa Ruggieri writes:

Jagger, the nimble CEO of Stones Inc., peacocked in a silver shimmering jacket, his elastic legs a mere pedestal for his rotating torso.

Richards, still owning his disheveled pirate look with a knit cap and multicolored scarf dangling from his hip, and Wood, grinning continuously and occasionally scampering down the lengthy catwalk, retained their roles as faithful consiglieres.

…the ominous “Gimme Shelter” remains a centerpiece of any Rolling Stones concert, and Jagger has a new onstage playmate in powerhouse background vocalist Chanel Haynes.

The woman who starred as Tina Turner in the West End musical of Turner’s life and officially became part of the band last year, steamrolled through “Gimme Shelter” with a voice blaring attitude and vigor. As she and Jagger strolled the catwalk, sharing vocals and chemistry, Jagger wisely backed off a couple of times, allowing Haynes to unleash her theatrical verve.

But this is still Jagger’s circus, and whether he’s bobbing like a jittery prizefighter or wiggling his shoulders like the world’s most slender Chippendales dancer, he is an octogenarian who captivates.

Read more about the show at USA Today and check out more pics, the full setlist, and some fan-shot videos below.

The Stones’ tour hits the NYC-area on May 23 at 26 at MetLife Stadium with a TBA opener on night one and Lawrence on night two. All remaining dates are listed below.

There’s also a new special edition book about the Stones’ early years (1963-1966) that comes on its own, or paired with a limited edition box set of early Stones records, courtesy of Goldmine Magazine. Pick that up here.