The Rolling Stones' 2002 'Licks' Theater Show at the Wiltern: An Acoustic 'Moonlight Mile' with Just Guitars and Piano

The Rolling Stones’ 2002 Licks tour was split into three legs—theaters, arenas, and stadiums—and the theater shows were the only ones to feature a full acoustic mini-set. At the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles on November 4, 2002, the band played a stripped-down sequence that included “Sweet Virginia,” “Angie,” and a stunningly rare “Moonlight Mile” performed with just acoustic guitars and piano.

“Moonlight Mile” had only been played live a handful of times since its 1971 release on Sticky Fingers, and never in such a bare arrangement. Keith Richards switched to a Gibson acoustic, Ron Wood played a Martin, and Chuck Leavell handled the piano parts that Mick Taylor originally recorded. The result was hushed and intimate—a far cry from the arena blowouts that closed the tour. The Wiltern show remains a favorite among hardcore fans because it captured the Stones leaning into their roots without any of the usual bombast.