Names and faces

— Only at a Rolling Stones concert could appearances by Bruce Springsteen and Lady Gaga seem almost like afterthoughts. Those superstars and other top acts including the Black Keys and John Mayer jammed with the Stones on Saturday night, winding down a series of concerts celebrating the 50th year of rock’s most enduring band (the occasion was also marked by a pay-per-view special). The Boss rocked out with the band on “Tumbling Dice,” Gaga matched Mick Jagger shimmy-for-shimmy on “Gimme Shelter,” the Black Keys joined on “Who Do You Love,” and John Mayer and Gary Clark Jr. showed their considerable guitar chops alongside Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood on “Goin’ Down.” But the Stones would not be upstaged. While the sold-out crowd roared with each special guest, it was the aging but dynamic foursome that generated the most excitement of the night, as they put new energy into their decades-old catalog of hits, including “It’s Only Rock ’N Roll (But I Like It),” “Start Me Up,” “Brown Sugar,” “Sympathy for the Devil” and more. The band took a moment to acknowledge the mass shooting Friday in Newtown, Conn. “We just wanted to send our love and condolences to all the people who lost loved ones in the tragedy in Connecticut,” Jagger said early on in the concert as the audience applauded. But it was the only somber moment in an a frenetic show that showed why the Stones are considered by many to be the greatest rock band.

The pregnant Duchess of Cambridge made her first public appearance Sunday night since her hospitalization for acute morning sickness. Looking healthy and strong, the former Kate Middleton presented awards at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, which was broadcast throughout Britain. She wore a dark green outfit and seemed composed and comfortable, showing no signs of the acute morning sickness that had led to her recent hospitalization. She had not been seen in public since leaving King Edward VII Hospital in London on Dec. 6. At the time, officials said the Duchess would be resting. Palace officials have said the Duchess is in the first 12 weeks of her pregnancy. The child will be the first for her and her husband, Prince William.

Front Section, Pages 2 on 12/17/2012

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