($350) Satisfaction

I'm not a big fan of the Rolling Stones. In my view, they've written exactly three great songs: "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Gimme Shelter." No slouches, those songs-undeniable classics all. I mean, "Gimme Shelter" is one of the finest moments in Western music history: an unnerving sonic scream, precisely capturing the anger and dread of a young generation waking up to the reality of a meaningless war and social malaise. (No wonder I'm listening to it so much lately-) But really, that's it. A few just-plain-good songs, some interesting experiments, plenty of misogynistic crud and a pretentious concept album.

Look, we're not talking about just any group here. This is the self-proclaimed World's Greatest Rock Band. They've been around for more than 40 years and put out more studio albums than any other band in rock history (12 of them between 1964 and 1967!). The Sex Pistols, Sleater-Kinney, Led Zeppelin: great rock bands write great songs, over and over (and quit when they can't anymore). By contrast, the Rolling Stones have culled three exceptional cuts from miles of tape. This is dumbfounding. Even if, for the sake of argument, I concede that they remained vital through 1981's kinda-OK "Tattoo You"-and that's a big stretch, given intervening schlock like 1980's "Emotional Rescue"-they're still well past their prime.

But what do I know? On Oct. 8, the Stones will come to Wallace Wade Stadium, and people will pay between $60 and $350-yes, you read that right-for the experience.

So when Towerview asks for my thoughts on what this concert means for Durham and the local music scene, I'm at a loss. I suppose this concert isn't quite the ultimate "f**k you" to poor people (apologies to David Cross). Still, most of the musicians (poor by definition) and fans I know aren't dropping that kind of cash on a concert-let alone one by a band that, by even a generous measure, hasn't actually rocked in over 20 years.

For supporters, this concert represents a return to form for Duke, which used to regularly host major touring acts. Some have apparently argued that this benefits the local music scene, which is beleaguered by a lack of stable performance spaces. But I can't see how that last part works in The Stones/Wallace Wade equation: there aren't any local bands opening for the Stones, and the idea that a crazy-expensive show in a football stadium will tip the scales in Durham's bad-luck run with rock clubs is laughably misguided.

In student life and town-gown relations, one of Duke's smartest moves is its recent reinvestment in the East Campus Coffeehouse. After years of neglect-following an extraordinary period in the mid-1990s when the Coffeehouse was a hopping must-stop on the national indie-rock touring circuit-the venue blossomed again this year. Paying bands fairly and charging reasonable cover fees, it's become a favorite for audiences, local musicians and out-of-town acts alike. If Duke is truly interested in a long-term commitment to booking major touring acts and connecting them with the broader local music community, it would do well to follow the Coffeehouse model. There are lots of big-name bands out there, some of whom may actually have some relevance for undergraduates at Duke. Book them in for a reasonable fee, charge a fair admission fee and hire local bands to open the shows. That benefits local musicians.