I’m not quite sure why it’s taken me so long to write this post especially as I visited Exhibitionism at Saatchi Gallery on the first day of its opening; at 11am, the first walk-in time slot.
What’s more, I absolutely loved the exhibition which I’m keen to see again before it ends in September.
Thinking about it, it’s probably because I’m not what you may consider a bona fide fan of The Rolling Stones. I appreciate their classics and their legacy but I don’t think I’ve ever bought any of their music. So I wasn’t sure what I could say about the exhibition.
Perhaps I’ll start with … So why did I enjoy it so much?
As much as Exhibitionism is about The Rolling Stones, it’s also about the integrity of music. We get to see the showpieces over time, from the instruments to the costumes and in one section an actual 3-D show performance of (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction that makes you feel as if you’re front row at a live show. It is amazing.
And of course there is the local nostalgia from The Rolling Stones’ early days when they lived on Edith Grove, which is very close to where I live now.
The authenticity of their first Chelsea digs is also testimony that these musicians struggled at the start of their careers. And the romantic in me imagines their passion for music driving them to their global success spanning decades as it continues to do so today.
There’s a glimpse into the way they work and throughout the exhibition there are chances to hear their different sounds. After all, an exhibition about rock gods needs to have some music. And fans of The Rolling Stones have plenty to delight in.
Throughout the exhibition there is an element of the wow factor, so much so you feel like there’s a need to return to appreciate the full spectrum of what The Rolling Stones have achieved.
But what I got most of all from Exhibitionism is the level of energy these musicians still have. Whether it’s from their live shows or the excitement they create in their fans, one thing is for certain: there aren’t many music groups that can keep up with these guys. And it’s no wonder why.
Exhibitionism runs until 4th September at Saatchi Gallery on Duke of York Square.
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