Prague would be the penultimate show of the No Filter Tour 2018 and my tenth show. I wish I could say it was the best I ever heard, but for me Berlin won that prize. We arrived well in time to enjoy some food and drinks backstage and meet up with Sally. When the sun went down I took my spot in the pit close to the catwalk while the rest of our group stood a little further. Gotthard was nice as support act, but the next group was a bit weird. Not really my taste, but they seemed popular with the Czech crowd.
On with the show, which hardly changed since the last two concerts. They started with ‘Street Fighting Man’, ‘It’s only rock & roll’ and ‘Tumbling dice’. These three songs are always exciting and great fun. ‘Ride ’em on down’ was the blues song of the day and ‘Under my thumb’ won the song vote, as expected. It’s not my favourite Stones song I have to admit and it sounds a bit weak among the more energetic ones performed earlier. ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ has also established its place in the setlist. I love it and so does the band! Then the usual three and on to the band introductions. I always like this part, lot of banter between the band, smiles, great photo opportunities…
Then we got Keith’s set, which is always a highlight in my opinion. He played an amazing ‘You got the silver’, very soulful performance and great slidework from Ronnie.
The rest of the show was the same as always, a collection of popular and well-known Stones classics. Certainly towards the end of the show you could hear Mick was struggling with his voice. They played a solid show, but for me it was one of the less satisfying concerts I attended. They all seemed a little less active, Ronnie and Keith often stayed together in front of Charlie, not running around the stage so much. Maybe they’re a bit tired towards the end of the tour, maybe it was the heat?
I have to admit I absolutely loved my time in Prague: beautiful city, dogfriendly place, good food for reasonable prices and very kind people. Lots of people warned us about pick-pocketing etc. and while I believe it happens in Prague, it probably doesn't happen more often than in other big cities. I definitely hope to return here one day!!!