Stones thank Perth fans for patience
The Rolling Stones did not need to talk about what happened seven months ago when their long-awaited return to Australia was suddenly cut short.
All Mick Jagger said was: "Thank you very much for all your patience, waiting for us for so long."
As the crowd of 15,000 roared in response at Perth Arena on Wednesday night, one thing was clear - they were just happy to finally see the English rockers perform.
The Rolling Stones came to Perth in March and were planning to perform for the first time in almost 20 years for their 14 On Fire tour when it was unexpectedly cancelled after the death of Jagger's designer girlfriend, L'Wren Scott.
The tour was rescheduled and after performing in Adelaide last week, the Stones made their way to Perth, wowing the eager crowd with hits including Start Me Up, It's Only Rock 'n' Roll (But I Like It), Sympathy For The Devil, You Can't Always Get What You Want and (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction.
Jagger barely stopped moving long enough for fans to take a photo, while Ronnie Wood smoked cigarettes through most of the show and Keith Richards took lead vocals on two tracks.
Meanwhile, Charlie Watts smiled sheepishly when Jagger introduced him as "Justin Langer's new best friend" in reference to the drummer's tour of the WACA ground with the Australian cricketing legend this week.
Jagger also spoke fondly of the band's time in Perth and joked that they were waiting for a drinks invitation from billionaire Gina Rinehart.
It was a mostly older crowd at the concert, despite the band having supporters from all generations.
Expensive ticket prices deterred some people, but others were following the band around the country.
"It's good to be here and it's good to be anywhere," Richards chuckled.
"Thanks for waiting." But it was the fans who had the most to be thankful for.
