Performing in front of a borderline-rabid, sold-out First Union Center, the Stones, who wrap things up Sunday at the Tower Theatre in Upper Darby, Pa., delivered a show that surpassed Wednesday's Veterans Stadium dazzler despite early indications to the contrary.

Hitting what has to be the simplest stage set  the group has utilized in 30 years, the Stones began pretty much where they ended Wednesday, with a rafters-rattling version of "Street Fighting Man." But things quickly got dicey: The show's second number was a ramshackle "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll (But I Like It)" that was further shredded by sound problems. The tune was rescued from total meltdown only by Keith Richards' heroic, channeling-Chuck-Berry riffing.

"If You Can't Rock Me" was a slight improvement, but the new song, "Can't Stop," just laid there. That three of the first four songs were repeats from Wednesday cast further shadows on the proceedings. But then the switch was flipped, and the program began its ascent toward the rock 'n' roll cosmos.

"All Down the Line" was a blood-pressure-raising dash propelled by a killer Stax horn arrangement and the feisty bottleneck slide guitar work of Ron Wood, who, when the dust cleared, emerged as Friday's Most Valuable Player. Given a lot more opportunity to strut his stuff than on Wednesday, "Woody" made the most of it, playing bottleneck, lap steel and electric guitar leads that wept, sighed and yelped.

Next came the first of several savory treats: A four-song segment culled from the group's celebrated 1969 LP, "Let It Bleed." The first of the songs, the classic blues, "Love in Vain," proved to be among the concert's standout moments. Thanks to Wood's keening lap steel guitar, and Mick Jagger's guttural vocals, the vast, soulless  sports arena was transformed into a sweaty Mississippi Delta roadhouse.

"Love in Vain" would have been sufficient to make Friday's gig a winner, but the Stones were just getting started. Two more "Bleed" tunes, "Monkey Man" and the show-stopping "Gimme Shelter," were both home runs. The former boasted typically sharp bottleneck moves from Wood. The latter showcased support-staffer Lisa Fischer's powerful vocals, and was far more fluid and sensual than Wednesday's rendition.

And the hits kept coming: A few songs after an even-better version of   Wednesday's superb "Start Me Up," a local audience finally got to hear live "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" - 31 years and seven Stones tours after it first appeared on the "Sticky Fingers" album.

As Richards, drummer Charlie Watts, bassist Darryl Jones and keyboardist Chuck Leavell conducted a tutorial in Grooveology 101, Bobby Keys lit the fuse on a sizzling sax solo. That was followed by a sinewy Wood guitar interlude that did right by Mick Taylor's original 1971 lead while taking the song to places it never reached in the studio.

Friday's "B Stage" mini-set couldn't quite keep the "Knocking" momentum going, mostly because of the raggedy reading of "Beast of Burden." However, "Miss You" delivered more standout work from the rhythm section, and  "Brown Sugar" was downright delirious.

In all, just another day at the office for "The World's Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band."

Set List

Street Fighting Man
It's Only Rock 'n' Roll (But I Like It)
If You Can't Rock Me
Don't Stop
All Down the Line
Love in Vain
Live with Me
Monkey Man
Gimme Shelter
Tumbling Dice
Slipping Away
Happy
Can't Turn Me Loose
Start Me Up
Honky Tonk Women
Can't You Hear Me Knockin'
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
Beast of Burden
Miss You
Brown Sugar
Sympathy For the Devil
Jumpin' Jack Flash