Get ready for another electrifying edition of Live from The Vault as we continue the countdown of Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 50 Greatest Live Albums! Every Saturday night, we’re diving deep into the legendary recordings that have shaped the live music scene, bringing you the very best performances from the world’s most iconic artists. The countdown has been thrilling listeners week after week, and tonight, we’re bringing you Number 17 on the list: The Rolling Stones – Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! The Rolling Stones in Concert (1970).
This iconic album captures The Rolling Stones at the height of their powers during the 1969 American tour, delivering one of the most raucous, high-energy live performances in rock history. Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! has stood the test of time, earning its place in Rolling Stone’s esteemed ranking of the Top 50 Greatest Live Albums. With a setlist full of classic hits, a raw, unfiltered sound, and a sense of chaos that only the Stones could create, it remains one of the definitive documents of the band’s unmatched stage presence.
A Snapshot of Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!: The Rolling Stones in Concert (1970)
Released in 1970, Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! captures the essence of The Rolling Stones’ live performances during one of their most turbulent and exhilarating periods. The album was recorded during two shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 27–28, 1969, right after the Stones’ altamont Free Concert, which marked the end of their American tour that year.
This live album is a masterclass in rock ‘n’ roll energy. From the opening bars of the raucous “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” to the blistering “Street Fighting Man,” the record is a perfect representation of the Stones’ raw, untamed energy, blending blues, rock, and psychedelia in one seamless package. The album’s sound is packed with visceral intensity and the rawness of a band on the edge, where the lines between chaos and brilliance blur into legendary musical history.
Why Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! Is a Classic
There are many reasons why Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! remains one of the Top 50 Greatest Live Albums of all time:
- Unmatched Energy: The Stones’ stage presence was unparalleled in 1969, and this album showcases it perfectly. With songs like “Sympathy for the Devil,” “Honky Tonk Women,” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” the band’s live performance brings a level of raw power that is still unmatched in rock history. Mick Jagger’s electrifying vocal delivery and Keith Richards’ gritty guitar riffs are as sharp and compelling as ever.
- The Band at Their Peak: This is the sound of a band that was cementing its place as the best live act in the world. The album features the band’s core lineup of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, and Mick Taylor (who was brought on for this tour), playing with perfect cohesion and energy. The addition of Taylor brought a new dimension to the band’s sound, particularly evident on tracks like “Love in Vain” and “Midnight Rambler.”
- Impressive Sound Quality: Despite the chaotic nature of live rock performances, Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! is known for its surprisingly crisp and clear recording quality, particularly for a live album from the 1970s. It captures the rawness of the performance while preserving the punch and clarity needed to convey the intensity of the Stones’ sound.
- Historic Context: The 1969 tour was an especially important one for the Stones, marking the first tour after Brian Jones’ departure and the arrival of Mick Taylor. The band was also coming off the tumultuous Altamont Free Concert, which was marred by violence and tragedy. The atmosphere during this tour was filled with tension, but that only added to the urgency and power of the performances.
Key Tracks to Listen For
- “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”: One of the Stones’ most iconic tracks, the live version here brings an even more ferocious edge than the studio recording. It’s the perfect opener for the album, setting the tone for the rest of the show.
- “Midnight Rambler”: This bluesy, winding epic is often cited as one of the highlights of the band’s live performances. The live version here is truly mesmerizing, especially with Mick Taylor’s guitar work shining through.
- “Sympathy for the Devil”: The performance of this track is absolutely spellbinding. The way the band drags out the rhythm and builds to a fever pitch is nothing short of magical. Mick Jagger’s vocal delivery takes the song to new heights.
- “Honky Tonk Women”: This track bursts out of the speakers with unrelenting energy, encapsulating everything that made the Stones’ live shows so irresistible. The crowd’s reaction says it all.
The Stones’ Legacy and the Album’s Impact
Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! was pivotal in cementing The Rolling Stones’ reputation as the kings of live rock performances. At a time when many bands were perfecting their studio craft, the Stones proved that no one could match their in-the-moment spontaneity and raw intensity.
The album’s success marked a turning point for the Stones, helping to pave the way for future generations of rock bands who would emulate their ferocity and ability to connect with audiences. Today, Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! is not just one of the greatest live albums of all time—it’s a cultural touchstone for anyone who appreciates the power of rock ‘n’ roll and live music at its most explosive.
Don’t Miss the Countdown on Live from The Vault
Tonight, Live from The Vault is celebrating this classic gem as part of the ongoing Rolling Stone Top 50 Greatest Live Albums Countdown. Tune in to hear The Rolling Stones – Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! (1970) in its full glory and experience the raw, untamed energy that made the Stones the greatest live band in the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the Rolling Stones’ catalog, this live recording is essential listening.
The countdown continues every Saturday night, so stay tuned for more legendary live albums and join us as we count down the greatest live performances ever recorded!
Live from The Vault airs Saturday nights, featuring the best in live music history, with The Rolling Stones – Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! (1970) coming in at #17 on the list of Rolling Stone’s 50 Greatest Live Albums. Don’t miss the countdown—tune in and rock out!