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| Lazy Bones |
Mon, March 31, 2008
Jagger shines a light
By SAM KENT OF BANG SHOWBIZ, SPECIAL TO SUN MEDIA
(Jim Cooper/the Associated Press)
After 46 years, Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones are still going strong.
In this exclusive interview, Jagger talks about how performing is as addictive as sex, why he has no plans to retire, what his favourite Rolling Stones myths are, and the source of his everlasting energy:
Q: What defines the Rolling Stones?
A: I'd say the defining thing about the Rolling Stones is that we're very British. It's very British rock 'n' roll.
Q: What's the best myth you have ever heard about the Rolling Stones?
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A: Myths, legends and the Rolling Stones. There are so many. The dangerous thing is if you start believing in them. That way lies madness. My favourite myth and the greatest Stones myth is the one about Keith having his blood changed every year. I've always loved that because it's got that great dark vampire feel about it.
Q: You have had an enjoyed a long-lasting friendship with bandmate Keith Richards, but in the movie (Shine a Light) you both look almost awkward when you hug.
A: Yes. It is a very English moment isn't it? We're not good at showing our feelings but then that makes it more real.
Q: Going back to the Stones myths, is it true Tina Turner taught you to dance?
A: I don't dance like Tina because she's a woman and I'm a man. Maybe I'm the closest thing a man can get to Tina. And maybe she did show me a few moves.
Q: Being a Rolling Stone must be surreal at times, how do you keep sane?
A: I refer to the Rolling Stones in the third person. I think that keeps me a bit more sane.
Q: What keeps you touring and performing?
A: Performing is like sex. It is an addiction. It is why we are out there doing it. But you do have to be careful. To do it well, you can't do it all the time. It has to be the right time.
It's like when you are young you think you should be having sex all the time. If you're reading a book, all you are thinking about is 'Why am I reading a book, why aren't I haven't sex. I'm wasting my time if I'm not having sex.'
It is the most amazing feeling. But to do it right you have to prepare for it, you go up and perform and you get into this zone.
Q: What is the secret to your everlasting energy?
A: People go on about where does the energy come from but you get that energy on stage. I do a bit of training for a few months before we go on tour but nothing special. I think my fitness levels are down to being a war child (that is, being born in England during WWII). That diet was meant to be the best. Hardly any fat, hardly any sweets. That all stands you in good stead.
Q: Any other tips for keeping young?
A: Someone who is tired after a 48-hour week should move to France. They should work less. They should work maybe 30 hours and then get out more and go dancing with his daughters -- that would do it.
Q: Have unkind remarks about your age ever made you think about retiring?
A: I never take any notice of what people write. For the band it's about the audience. If we go on tour and no-one buys our tickets then that says something. There's never been a time when people stopped coming to see us.
Q: Do you think any other bands will keep going like the Rolling Stones have?
A: No one has done what we do. Maybe U2 will keep going. Coldplay possibly. I'd never say how long we'll keep going. It's not going to be forever. All things must come to an end, that's just a universal truth.
Q: You famously handed back a $4-million advance for your autobiography. What do you think about stars who pour out their hearts?
A: I hate those confessionals ... I hate the whole thing about looking back. It's just dull. I'd always rather look forward. What we are is what you see. We're here, we're doing it. It's not about why, it's about this is it. |
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