Welcome To Shepherd's Bush Blu-ray/2 CD - Intimate 1999 Concert

Our review of Welcome To Shepherd's Bush Blu-ray/2 CD finds it best suited for longtime Rolling Stones collectors and live music fans who value rare performances over greatest hits. Recorded at the Shepherd's Bush Empire on June 8, 1999, this release captures a 96-minute set that emphasizes deep cuts and unique moments, including the first live performance of Melody since 1977 and the only career performance of Moon Is Up. The package is a Blu-ray plus two CDs in a CD-sized Softpak and offers strong sound options and an intimate concert atmosphere that rewards repeated listening.

Key Features

• Intimate live recording: The 96-minute concert was captured at a small 1,800-capacity venue, preserving crowd interaction and close-stage dynamics.
• Rare song selection: The set focuses on deep cuts and rarities such as Melody and Moon Is Up that make this a unique addition to a music collection.
• Blu-ray plus 2 CD format: The set includes a high-definition video source with two CDs for listening away from the video player.
• Special guest appearance: Sheryl Crow joins the band for Honky Tonk Women, adding a distinct live collaboration to the recording.
• Softpak packaging: The CD-sized Softpak keeps the physical footprint small while displaying the Blu-ray and CDs together for collectors.

Who It's For

This release is ideal for dedicated Rolling Stones fans and collectors who prioritize live rarities and unique performances over a hits compilation, and for audiophiles who appreciate multi-channel live mixes, since customers note good sound quality and available surround options. It also suits listeners who enjoy repeated viewing of a focused, intimate concert rather than a stadium spectacle.

Listeners seeking a complete hits package or a large-scale stadium concert experience should look elsewhere, as this recording intentionally avoids the biggest chart singles in favor of deep album tracks and one-off moments that appeal to connoisseurs of the band's catalog.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Authentic, intimate performance that captures rare songs not usually played at stadium shows.
• Good sound quality with customer reports of 5.1 and 7.1 options that enhance the live feel.
• Well-curated Blu-ray/2 CD package that serves both video viewers and audio listeners.
• Notable guest spot by Sheryl Crow adds variety to the set.

Cons

• Not a hits-focused show, so casual listeners expecting a greatest-hits set may be disappointed.
• Softpak packaging is compact but less durable than a standard clamshell or box set for heavy handling.

Specifications

Artist	The Rolling Stones
Recorded	June 8, 1999 at Shepherd's Bush Empire, London
Duration	Approximately 96 minutes
Format	Blu-ray plus 2 CDs
Packaging	CD-sized Softpak
Guest	Sheryl Crow (appears on Honky Tonk Women)

Our Verdict

Welcome To Shepherd's Bush Blu-ray/2 CD is a strong pick for collectors and fans who want intimate, unusual live performances rather than a stadium greatest-hits show. The combination of rare song choices, solid audio options, and a compact package offers good value to listeners who already appreciate the Stones deep catalogue and enjoy repeated listening or viewing of standout live moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this set include the full concert?
Yes, the release presents the 96-minute Shepherd's Bush performance across Blu-ray video and two audio CDs.

Are there surround sound options?
Customers report the release includes strong sound options with 5.1 and 7.1 mixes available for an immersive experience.

Is this a hits-focused show?
No, the set emphasizes deep cuts and rare live songs rather than a standard hits collection, appealing to collectors and longtime fans.