"This is our 118th appearance in Germany and you are still as hot as ever," proclaimed in German Mick Jagger to the more than 22,000 spectators at the Waldbühne, a picturesque open-air amphitheater located in a forest west of the German capital.
The legendary British group, on a European tour for its 60th anniversary, dedicated its last performance to Charlie Watts, the original drummer who died last year, but in an infectious joy.
"When we arrived last night in Berlin, we had a drink to his health. After five schnapps (eau de vie), I spoke perfect German!" exclaimed the eternal singer of the 79-year-old group.
Mick Jagger, multiplying the swaying and jumping goats under the cheers of the public, was very complicit with his fellow guitarists Keith Richards, 78, and Ronnie Wood, 75.
For more than two hours without interruption, the Stones thus chained their flagship titles interspersed with their latest opuses, such as "Living in a Ghost Town" or "Doom and Gloom".
The three historic musicians made the pleasure last by communing regularly with the public, notably on "Miss You", You Can't Always Get What You Want" or even a "Midnight Rambler" spread over nearly 10 minutes.
Unsurprisingly, it was the timeless "Start me Up", "Paint It, Black", "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and of course a grand finale in the form of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" that ignited fans of all ages.
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"It's crazy what they are still capable of doing and the energy they give off at their age," enthused Philippe Georgi, a 46-year-old Berliner, to AFP.
At his side, his father Günther, "the same age as Mick", never lost his smile during the evening.
"30 years ago, it was he who invited me to their concert in Munich, today it's me," said his son, moved.
In Berlin, the so-called "SIXTY" tour of the "rock grandpas" ends, who have held 14 concerts in 10 countries this summer, passing through Amsterdam, Milan, Brussels, Paris or Liverpool, where they had not played since. 50 years.
© 2022 AFP