After Anaheim Show, Rolling Stones Gather Reader Support

Though the photos hardly did the band justice, Jim Washburn’s review of the Rolling Stones’ first show at the Pond in Anaheim was dead-on (“A Rock-Hard Case for Stones’ Throne,” Feb. 11). While maintaining his objective/critical point of view, he was able to sweep us up into the magic and power of the evening, yet provide us with an informative as well as entertaining piece.

Washburn’s article reaffirmed that I had witnessed true greatness and psyched me up for Thursday’s show, which was, unbelievably, even better.

I bought extra copies to mail my skeptical friends and relatives.

WILLY ASHER

San Clemente

While it is true that everyone is a critic, it seems as though Mike Boehm is indulging himself in self-importance at the expense of any real clarity (“Slumpin’ Jack Flash,” Feb. 4). It may be true that Mr. Jagger and the Rolling Stones’ best work is in the past, but their music should be viewed as work done by artists that have and always will deserve respect. Some of their albums have been so great that following their own high standard, like all the great songwriters, was impossible.

Mike Boehm, like most of us, has and never will do anything great, so he tries to sound profound and insightful while being neither. I’m reminded that Walter Matthau once said that “Critics are nothing more than parasites that live off the sweat of hard-working animals.”

Records like “Let It Bleed” and “Exile on Main St.” are such masterpieces, I’m sure they will be cherished long after we are all gone. Mike who? Mike who cares?

In a world full of pop/rock mediocrity (i.e. the Black Crowes), thank God the Stones are still playing! We can’t see the Who, the Beatles or Jimi Hendrix anymore. But as it says on the cover of the legendary “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album: “Welcome the Rolling Stones!”

Everyone seems to know that but Mike Boehm. Too bad, he should.

TOM RANDALL JOHNSON

Mission Viejo