Mick Jagger says his role is to give fans a good time, not lecture them
The Rolling Stones frontman told a New York Times podcast that his priority on stage is entertainment, while noting he occasionally includes brief political references in his songs.
Mick Jagger, 82, said his primary responsibility as a live performer is to ensure audiences enjoy themselves and set aside everyday worries. Speaking on the New York Times podcast "The Interview," he explained that a concert should be "like going to a sports event" where fans focus on the show rather than external concerns.
"The bottom line of my thing is really that my job in the live music world is just those people that come to have the best time they possibly can, and for two hours or whatever it is to forget all their problems and the problems of the world and their mortgages and their whatever," Jagger said.
He added that he does not aim to lecture concertgoers, though he sometimes weaves political or social commentary into his lyrics in short verses, a technique he says he learned from other songwriters.
"I've also got into this habit of doing songs that are about personal relationships, and then I throw a verse about politics in there. I think that's a trick that I've learned from other songwriters, because nobody wants to hear a whole song about politics or...social comment, of any kind," he explained.
During a performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in May 2024, Jagger referenced Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry by name, prompting a brief exchange on social media. The governor responded with a sarcastic remark referencing Jagger's comment.
The interview highlighted Jagger's view that his concerts should provide a carefree experience, while acknowledging his occasional use of brief political references in his music.