The Rolling Stones: Ole Ole Ole! A Trip Across Latin America

Holding the largest ever free concert in Cuba was never going to be an easy task, The Rolling Stones deciding to add a show in Havana to the end of an already planned 2016 South American tour. That politics, or more specifically the US president, and religion would try and foil the band's efforts could hardly have been foreseen...

In many ways Ole Ole Ole! A Trip Across Latin America is almost a four part documentary where the process and stresses of staging a show the likes of which Cuba had never seen before are explored. Along the way we also get a tour diary of the band as they travel through South America, a look at the cultural impact The Stones have undoubtedly had on the continent itself and, ultimately what it's all about, on stage footage where the age defying outfit go through their paces. All four strands run consecutively, sometimes leaving you yearning to find out more, whether that be the logistics of staging the event that seemed in peril right from the off, or why the South American people hold the band so dear. That's not to say that there isn't some wonderful footage as fans ape Mick Jagger's moves in the middle of the street, or Ronnie Wood is found painting with a Brazilian artist as the pair conjure up their visual magic.

Some insightful moments are provided from the band's quiet man, Charlie Watts, where he sums up the craziness of the reception they receive on their travels through Argentina, Peru, Chile and so on; likening it to a larger version of the 60s and a circus of their own making. Add in Jagger meeting with local musicians – both from the worlds of rock n roll and the more traditional Latin American scene – and a joyous section where the singer and the chief entertainer, Keith Richards, strum and croon through a stunning version of "Honky Tonk Woman", and there's something for everyone. Even if there's maybe too much ground trying to be covered at once.

The live footage is much more of a sideshow in the madness of tours, logistics and fans, yet there's no denying its scintillating stuff when it arrives, and beautifully shot too. As a bonus, a fifty minute, seven track compilation of live performances from the tour is included, stunning versions of "Out Of Control", "Paint It Black", "Honky Tonk Woman", "Sympathy For The Devil", "You Got The Silver", "Midnight Rambler" and "Miss You" performed superbly and dismissing any faint notion that this band are a nostalgia trip of any kind. Something the raw emotion in the audiences confirms. If there's an issue, it's probably that there's more re-watchability in this section than in the documentary itself. The extremely limited focus of the subjects covered not really providing many moments that entice you back for more. In places, the adulation and devotion from the fans interviewed can also be a little over the top, grating on the nerves unless you're a super fan yourself. Although that's maybe a churlish complaint, as there's no doubt it's all 100% genuine.

With less than an hour's worth of live footage and a documentary that, at times, doesn't quite know what it's aiming for, Ole Ole Ole! A Trip Across Latin America is possibly more of a release for dedicated fans only. If you fall into that bracket, I've little hesitation in saying that you'll love it.

Added: July 13th 2017
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: The Rolling Stones online
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Language: english

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