Critical consensus on the Rolling Stones’ 2012-13 50th anniversary tour — still had it or nostalgia act?

Most reviewers agreed the Stones didn’t just coast on nostalgia — they actually delivered. Critics praised Mick Jagger’s freakish stamina (still running laps around a stage at 69), Keith Richards’ sneering riffs, and a setlist that balanced deep cuts with hits. The Guardian called it “a victory lap that felt earned,” while Rolling Stone noted the band played tighter than they had in decades — possibly because Ronnie Wood was sober and Charlie Watts hadn’t lost a step.

That said, a few voices pushed back. Some shows relied heavily on video screens and guest stars (Lady Gaga, Katy Perry) to mask any dips in energy. The New York Times pointed out that the band leaned on “Gimme Shelter” and “Satisfaction” like crutches, and that mid-tempo songs sometimes dragged. But overall the consensus was clear: the Stones weren’t merely a jukebox. They were a rock band that still sounded dangerous — even as they celebrated half a century.