The Rollin’ Stoned: Its Only Rock and Roll!


Rollin' Stoned: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Rollin’ Stoned: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

THE STONES IN ALL BUT NAME

The Rollin’ Stoned: The Factory Live 15/08/2025

The Rollin’ Stoned honour a group who are clearly still worthy of the title of the greatest rock’n’roll band in the world. The Rollin’ Stoned have toured their affectionate tribute to The Rolling Stones for over 27 years. They have shared billing with the likes of Dr John, Status Quo, Suzie Quatro, Jerry Lee Lewis, and always leaving audiences wanting more of what they need.

Rollin' Stoned: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Rollin’ Stoned: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Described by The Times as ‘better than the real thing’, these guys are revered by both Stones fans for their authenticity and the real Stones who booked them for the band’s birthday!

Start them up, they never stop: The Rollin’ Stoned were at The Factory Live to deliver a two hour set of Stones classics. Mick Jaguar from the moment he hit the stage performed with frenetic energy, showcasing all those iconic gyrating moves frequently carried off by Jagger himself.

Rollin' Stoned: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Rollin’ Stoned: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

“With a Rollin Stoned show, the costumes are shamelessly camp, gaudy and absolutely fab, the instruments genuinely vintage and the wit irreverent. However, while the tongue is never far from the cheek we make sure it is never to the detriment of the music.”

The cheering greeted the band as they took to the stage with some 17 guitars! The cheers got louder as they immediately recognised the very predictable show opener, as used by the Stones to open a show, the chords of Start Me Up soared at us from the stage, quickly followed by All Down The Line.

Rollin' Stoned: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Rollin’ Stoned: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The Band:

Mick Jaguar – vocals, Byron Jones – Vocals, Guitars and various, Charlie Waits – Drums, Keith Retched – many, many Guitars, Bill Wymandy – Bass, Mick Waylor – Guitars

Just after a few songs in and the Stoned had covered off roughly 30 years of rock ’n’ roll stones output! A joyous line-up of unforgettable pouts, perfect choruses, and song lyrics. This was turning into a live show packed with attitude, hilarious banter but all topped off with a sharp, accurate, hugely entertaining performance.

It’s not just the songs, though, it’s the delivery: Mick Jaguars voice is strong and the guitars are loud, on point and cut through with a Stoned raw power. At times The Rollin’ Stoned appeared to be almost as ramshackle as you want them to be, and just like the originals used to be.

There’s a punchy Tumblin’ Dice, Street Fighting Man; Lets Spend The Night Together, 19th Nervous Breakdown and The Last Time included in the set. A hymn-like You Can’t Always Get What You Want start the first of many sing-alongs tonight.

The forceful and beautiful track Gimme Shelter was one of the set highlights with a female guest vocalist. Hearing Jaguars/Jaggers vocal, those gnarly guitars and the soaring lead delivering the iconic Merry Clayton sky-high vocal with clarity and ease, it was hard not to be overwhelmed by the live version played tonight. What an occasion this was turning out to be.

Its Only Rock and Roll!

The song Get Off Of My Cloud never really seemed to stick in the non Rolling Stones fans consciousness with as much ease as (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction. I can happily confirm both of the songs were in the set list tonight and both delivered totally on point.

Rollin' Stoned: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Rollin’ Stoned: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Sympathy For The Devil has its roots in Brazil – It was the Stones having go a at writing a samba flavoured number. The intro is teased out as theatrically as you’d expect from The Rollin’ Stoned, with the crowd gathered at the Factory Live joining Jaguars high-pitched “woo-woo”s.

By the time they attack Satisfaction, 90 minutes after taking the stage, the Rollin’ Stoned are right on the money sounding as if they could play continue for us all night. Miss You, Ruby Tuesday and Lady Jane were spaced into the set

Honky Tonk Women and Jumping Jack Flash announced the set was coming to a close. There is a momentary pause before “Keith”, bent over his guitar, to unwind and let loose that era-defining opening riff to Brown Sugar to close the show.

Rollin' Stoned: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Rollin’ Stoned: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

I have to put my hands up and admit that I was blown away by the quality, of voice, instrumental proficiency on so many varied instruments, the sheer stamina, and showmanship of this outfit. No other band quite rocks like the Rolling Stones, and this tribute outfit of some 27 years do them justice. We came to be entertained and Rollin’ Stoned delivered a really satisfying, engaging and enjoyable evening. Lots of happy people leaving The Factory Live tonight!

Rollin' Stoned: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Rollin’ Stoned: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

We’ve all seen the tours and videos and heard this wonderful music before, but the Rollin’ Stoned make it feel precious.

A VIDEO – Its Only Rock and Roll/Get Off My Cloud

And Finally…

The stage lighting and crystal clear sounds and dynamics at The Factory Live were outstanding.

Thanks to Rollin’ Stoned and The Factory Live

Safe to say we all had a great time at The Factory Live. All the staff were very helpful and welcoming as they always are. This is a great venue for music, club nights or comedy! Nicely done guys! Experience The Factory Live! A 285 capacity live music venue situated in the heart of Worthing on the South Coast. They recently announced they were awarded Live Music Venue of the year in West Sussex 2024/2025. Congratulations from Scene Sussex, well deserved. I have had many great times there, and look forward to more visits.

Words and photos by Ian Bourn.

 

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All original pictures / video – copyright to IANB/MEDIA WORKS/ SCENE SUSSEX – Ian “The Lens” Bourn 2025.

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