It’s only rock ‘n’ roll for this retiree

CENTER LINE — When British music author Richard Houghton sought input from Rolling Stones fans for his book “All Down The Line: A People’s History of the Rolling Stones 1972 North American Tour,” he heard from more than 300 concertgoers.

One admirer included retired Center Line High School teacher Richard McMahon, whose memories about the Stones’ 1972 concert at Cobo Hall made it into Houghton’s publication.

“I was interested to hear his recollections of the gig after reading a comment he posted on Facebook. He gave me a great portrait of the atmosphere at that show and what it was like to see the Rolling Stones in action at the height of their powers,” said Houghton, of Manchester, England, via email. “It’s perhaps the most celebrated tour in rock history, and Richard McMahon caught one of the two shows they played in Detroit at the Cobo Hall on July 13 and 14.”

“All Down the Line” is a song on the band’s 1972 album “Exile on Main St.” When reached via email, McMahon said he felt “very honored” to be included.

“I saw a notice from the author asking for concert memories from Stones fans who were fortunate enough to have seen the band during their whirlwind tour. Having vivid memories of that show at Cobo Hall, I sent off my account. I was very happy to have my recollection of that concert included, as The Rolling Stones are still a premier band and one my favorites,” McMahon said. “Their music is still played on various media outlets daily around the world, and young teachers I worked with were fans of the Stones. Many paid hundreds of dollars to see the Stones even though they were several generations removed from (Mick) Jagger and company. If longevity is the highest benchmark for quality, the Stones win hands down.”

Looking back, McMahon remembered there was a lot of anticipation for the concert at Cobo Hall, which is now known as Huntington Place. Tickets were limited and not easy to come by, but McMahon managed to get two for the upper level. Since his girlfriend Debbie at the time, now his wife, couldn’t make the show due to her nursing job in Grayling, McMahon took his younger sister, Gloria.

Motown artist Stevie Wonder opened the show. McMahon felt like his set was short, but the crowd was really into him. Fans roared when the Rolling Stones hit the stage. McMahon can still remember some of the songs on the set list, including “Street Fighting Man,” “Love in Vain,” “Midnight Rambler,” and “Sympathy for the Devil.” Jagger danced almost the entire time they played.

According to McMahon, “Jagger was the ultimate rock showman, and Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman and other supporting musicians in the lineup were consummate musicians who entertained, taking their audience to new levels of enchantment with their songs and rock wizardry.”

While the Stones rocked Cobo Hall to its core, the musicians also showed a softer side during an acoustic set, which McMahon felt demonstrated the rock group’s musical range.

“They are the world’s greatest rock and roll band, but they’re also a great blues band and the acoustic songs proved that,” he said.

McMahon was a school media specialist, journalism teacher and girls and boys varsity tennis coach. He retired from the school district in June of 2011 after 39 years. He was also the advisor of the Center Line High School newspaper, “The Free Wood, ‘’ in the ’70s and ’80s. One highlight was when student Lynn Zott was a finalist in a Focus: HOPE writing contest. She and the other finalists were honored at a luncheon at the Detroit Press Club, which news anchor Bill Bonds hosted. The ceremony was covered by local television.

“All Down The Line: A People’s History of the Rolling Stones 1972 North American Tour,” was published in 2022 by Spenwood Books Ltd., Manchester, England and is available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.