HOUSTON — The Rolling Stones are in Houston ready to rock out NRG Stadium Sunday on the first stop of their 16-city tour.
We went behind the scenes just two days before the show to see how the home of the Texans and RodeoHouston is being transformed for the legendary band.
It takes seven days to set up a Rolling Stones concert; 150 workers and 56 trucks. The job is nonstop and one man has to bring it all together --Dale Skjerseth, the Stones’ production director.
We asked him why the band chose Houston to kick off this tour.
“That I don't know, but I'm glad they did,” he said. “I like Houston. It's a good place. And it's got a roof. And we're indoors, that if anything goes wrong or gets too hot. It’s a very well climate-controlled venue and it's easy to work there.”
The Stones last played Houston in 2019. This will be their third appearance at the home of the Texans.
“All the video content is brand new, all the stuff that's been put together,” Skjerseth said. “They've spent the time and money and energy into bringing it to the newest state of the art of what we are.”
As the crew worked on the set up of the stage Friday, the Stones themselves were getting ready for a rehearsal. Saturday, they take the day off. We know they love Houston restaurants, so if you’re out and about, you just may run into them. Sunday, it’s another rehearsal. Then Sunday night, it’s the show.
The opening act is Gary Clark Jr., the blues guitarist from Austin.
For Mick and Keith in the band, the juices are flowing again for one of the biggest rock and roll shows on Earth.
“They're excited,” Skjerseth said. “They're looking forward to it. Nervous. Like anything else, they take pride in their art.”
It’s something they've been doing for over 60 years. It's only rock and roll, but they like it so much.
So do you want to go? We checked the third party ticket site. You could spend thousands to get on the floor for the show. And as we know, you can't always get what you want. But if you try, you'll get what you need...for a lot less in the nosebleeds.
If you're at the show on Sunday, share your photos and videos with us through the Near Me feature of our news app.