When a major interview is about to kick off, legend often finds himself in the chaotic backstage flurry, momentarily pausing his eternal reign. As we waited for an exclusive chat with Mick Jagger, the iconic frontman of The Rolling Stones, the legendary musician was nowhere to be seen. An aide informed us he was simply getting changed—a small moment highlighting that even rock royalty is subject to the mundane realities of preparation.
This pause in the spotlight provided a perfect opportunity for reflection on the evolution of rock and the enduring appeal of cool. In considering what outfit Mick Jagger might choose for the cameras, the conversation naturally drifted toward fashion history. Could he reappear in the floaty Hyde Park blouse from Brian Jones’ tribute? Or perhaps one of his seventies sequined jumpsuits? The choice ultimately pointed toward something far more contemporary: a smart, spotty shirt paired with a tailored leather blazer—a look embraced by Hollywood’s Gen-Z elite. This suggests an ethos that remains modern and relevant, yet steeped in timeless cool.
That sense of creative flexibility is perfectly embodied in The Rolling Stones’ latest offering, the album Foreign Tongues. Recorded across London, Los Angeles, New York, and the Bahamas over several years, this twenty-fifth studio effort functions as a brilliantly souped-up greatest hits compilation. It invigorates the band’s classic sounds—R&B, rock, country, soul, funk, punk, and disco—with Jagger’s witty commentary on modern life and love. The album manages to be nostalgic yet topical; familiar while fresh.
Jagger reflects on where the Stones began, noting that when they started, they were a blues band. While Brian Jones was a purist, he admitted that Keith and he never adhered strictly to rigid genre boundaries. Their taste spanned all kinds of pop music, starting with early singles like ‘The Last Time,’ which was essentially a copy of a gospel song.
Looking back at the history of rock interviews, Jagger recalls how quickly the landscape changed. When NME first began focusing on music in 1964, it was famous for liking everything, offering broad, often lenient reviews. Over time, however, the publication became known for being wonderfully rude—a place where only obscure and unconventional voices were truly heard.
When asked about their place in that evolving scene, Jagger observed that The Rolling Stones navigated many difficult times, acknowledging that they weren’t fashionable simply because they were new to NME’s eyes. He admitted that in those early exchanges, there wasn’t always much care taken; opinions could be harsh, sometimes terribly so, though he does insist he spoke the truth. For instance, in one interview from 1974, he called his debut single ‘Come On’ “pretty bad.”
The dynamic within the band was equally complex. Discussions touched upon famous rivals like The Beatles, with Jagger playfully dismissing them as “blasé and bigheaded.” Yet, the creative process itself was a fascinating blend of egos and collaboration. For example, on Foreign Tongues, Robert Smith of The Cure contributed synths to ‘Never Gonna Lose You,’ while Paul McCartney provided an exceptionally groovy funk bass line for the track ‘Covered In You.’
In these sessions, Jagger recounted how easily musicians melted into one another’s territory. When Chad Smith of the Chili Peppers played on a cover, there was a playful sense of disruption in the studio—even pulling in guest spots for artists like Bruno Mars to play cowbell.
The Stones’ legacy continues to evolve, incorporating new sounds and perspectives. Jagger is currently very open-minded about writing material for other artists, suggesting that inspiration flows freely regardless of genre. He recently pointed toward newer acts, noting his appreciation for the vibe and grooves found in Sam Fender’s music, which carries a reflective quality rooted in personal experience.
Despite the passage of time—and even the passing of those he missed, like Charlie Watts—Jagger remains fiercely invested in the future of music. He expressed enthusiasm for live performances, admitting that despite the challenge of stadium tours, he would say yes to heading back to Glastonbury again. He looks forward to seeing how the Stones continue their journey, hopeful that new creative avenues, perhaps even a residency model, will allow them to keep moving forward.
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Credit: NME
