The Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger Reflects on a Career of Rock and Roll, and the End of an Era
In a recent interview with the New York Times, Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of The Rolling Stones, delves into the band's latest album, 'Foreign Tongues', and his own journey through the music industry. But amidst the philosophical musings and reflections on his career, there's a subtle undercurrent of a deeper question: Is this the end of the road for the iconic rock band?
Jagger, ever the enigmatic figure, plays with the idea of retirement, suggesting that the band might have already played their final show. He humorously states, 'Maybe I have! I could get run over by a bus outside of my house. You never really know, do you?' This playful yet profound statement hints at the uncertainty that comes with a life dedicated to music.
The singer's words carry weight, especially when he talks about the toll that a long career in music can take. Jagger acknowledges the psychological challenges of being in a band like the Stones, where egos run high and the pressure to maintain a certain image can be overwhelming. He reflects, 'It does affect you. You can become disassociated from other people. You get disassociated from what people might call 'real life.''
This disassociation is a common theme among long-standing musicians, who often find themselves living a life of luxury and fame, far removed from the everyday struggles of the general public. Jagger's solution? Trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. He says, 'But, nevertheless, that’s only temporary because psychologically your actual state of mind is permanently damaged. Your late 20s and early 30s is a very tough time for people in this business because it’s a big ego trip, and you have to have a huge ego to do this.'
The interview also touches on the inevitable topic of aging. Jagger, who will turn 83 soon, admits that the physical demands of touring and performing are becoming more challenging. He humorously compares himself to a goalkeeper in football, stating, 'There’s nothing good about it. It’s not particularly pleasant. You can’t do things as quickly as you want to. Physically you’ve got to be more careful.'
Despite these challenges, Jagger remains optimistic about the future of the band. He expresses his desire to continue touring and connecting with fans, saying, 'I personally hope to be able to tour. I like going places. I like meeting people.'
The release of 'Hackney Diamonds' in 2023, the band's first original material in 18 years, was a significant moment for Jagger. He admits to feeling frustrated during that time, stating, 'I was very frustrated professionally for years that the Rolling Stones never made any new music. That was a huge frustration for me, and I solved it.'
Jagger's philosophical musings extend to his interest in Plato, which he admits is superficial but challenging to delve into. He says, 'My interest in philosophy is superficial. But I find it a hard subject to educate myself into. I’ve recently read a couple of books, and I’m really finding it hard. They’re always having so many arguments, these philosophers, and always disagreeing with their masters...'
As the Rolling Stones continue to evolve and adapt, the question of their final show remains a tantalizing mystery. Jagger's playful yet profound statements leave fans and music enthusiasts alike wondering if this iconic band has indeed played their last show, or if there's still more music to come.
