Rolling Stones/England,UK 1999 Upgrade

More than 20 years have passed, and the 1999 UK Babylon Tour gives off a nostalgic impression. Although it was called the Babylon Tour because it was extended by a year due to tax issues, it was influenced by the No Security Tour that took place just before, and the same Babylon Tour had a clearly different composition from 1997 and 1998, and rather a unique atmosphere. This tour had a small number of performances, so most of the days were released, but for Sheffield on June 6th, VGP’s title “BEYOND THE VALLEY” is the only one and is famous among enthusiasts. This is because the impact of the audience recording, which captured Keith’s sound with a balance that was too big, was great, and even if it was not for everyone, it was a sound image that was attractive enough for enthusiasts. On the other hand, it is also true that the sound source was generally quirky, with a sound quality that leaned towards the mid-range overall, the main part of the live performance leaned towards the right, the B stage leaned extremely left, and the sound quality with a crisp feel that reflected the era when it was released in 2000. Although it is a standard for such enthusiasts, the Babylon UK tour itself has become less accessible over time in 2023. Another recording of this day was obtained through a unique route that does not involve the Internet. Since it is now Sheffield 99, I initially thought that it would be a non-equalized version of the same sound source as “BEYOND THE VALLEY” (hereinafter referred to as the “already released version”), but when I played it, it was recorded with a completely different audience. The sound image of Keith’s sound is not as prominent as the already released version, but the overall performance is more balanced. Even so, Keith’s sound is still loud (lol) and it may have been recorded in an area close to the already released version. In any case, the balance of the music that can be heard is clearly a victory this time. Also, it is clear that both the already released version and this new sound source were recorded at the front of the venue, and they also have in common that they pick up the excitement around them in the first half of the live performance, but it is also less noisy than the already released version. For example, in the opening song “Jumping Jack Flash,” there were even some people singing, but this one is centered around clapping. And above all, the sound source this time is very clear and natural to listen to. It is suddenly refreshing compared to the crisp sound quality that seems to be in the early 2000s. And the sound quality fluctuations on the B stage are clearly less. If it is better balanced and natural than the previous release, it is only natural that a separate recording is now being released on a limited press CD. Even so, when you listen to the dynamic performance in Sheffield more than 20 years ago with a balance that still makes Keith’s guitar stand out, you will be enchanted by how much he played. Above all, the sound source of the previous release was too loud, so you could hear the roughness of his playing, but when you listen to this sound source with excellent balance, you can feel the coolness of the performance and it looks fresh. If you think about it, it was the third year of the Babylon tour, and they had even done the No Security tour, so it’s only natural that Keith’s energetic performance and playing style here stand out. “Live With Me” is a prime example, and this Stones-like roughness is more striking than the previous year or 1997. As for the B stage, it was a memento of the No Security tour, and Keith’s “Route 66”, where he plays his best phrases, is also striking. Surprisingly, even though it was the Babylon tour, the frequency of performances has dropped dramatically, and in 1999, “You Don’t Have To Mean It” became a rare presence, and it is a recording source that has many topics about Keith. Thus, Sheffield’s new audience recording is released with a full range of advantages over the already released version. In fact, more than 20 years have passed since the release of the previous version, so please enjoy this masterpiece on a new, well-balanced and easy-to-listen-to recording! Provided by the recorder High quality sound, different sound source from VGP “Beyond The Valley” Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield, UK 6th June 1999 TRULY PERFECT SOUND (from Original Masters) ★ First appearance, high quality master Disc: 1 (63:20) 1. Intro 2. Jumping Jack Flash 3. You Got Me Rocking 4. Live With Me 5. Respectable 6. Gimme Shelter 7. Ruby Tuesday 8. Honky Tonk Women (with Sheryl Crow) 9. Saint of Me 10. Out of Control 11. Paint It Black 12. Band Introductions 13. Before They Make Me Run 14. You Don’t Have to Mean It Disc 2 (60:34) 1. B-Stage S.E. 2. Route 66 3. Like a Rolling Stone 4. Midnight Rambler 5. Sympathy for the Devil 6. Tumbling Dice 7. It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll 8. Start Me Up 9. Brown Sugar 10. Satisfaction