Mick Jagger is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of rock music. He has been the frontman of The Rolling Stones since the 1960s, and his stage presence, charisma, and notorious singing voice have captivated audiences around the world for decades. But beyond his outrageous on-stage persona, there is a personal side to Mick Jagger that many may not be as familiar with.
Born in 1943 in Dartford, England, Jagger was raised in a middle-class family and showed an early interest in music. He formed The Rolling Stones with Brian Jones, Keith Richards, and Ian Stewart in 1962, and the band quickly gained popularity with their soulful blues rock sound and rebellious attitude. Jagger’s talents as a lyricist and performer were evident from the start.
But despite his success and fame, Jagger has always been a private person, guarded about his personal life and relationships. In the early days of The Rolling Stones, he was notorious for his hedonistic lifestyle, partying, and womanizing. However, as he aged, he became more reflective and protective of his privacy.
Jagger’s personal life has been marked by tumultuous highs and lows. He has been married twice, first to Bianca Jagger in 1971 and then to model Jerry Hall in 1990. Both marriages ended in divorce, with Jagger becoming a father to eight children with five different women.
Despite his notorious reputation, many of those who have worked closely with Jagger paint a different picture of the man behind the stage persona. Keith Richards, his longtime bandmate and friend, once said, “Mick is a totally different person offstage. He’s very tight with his family and friends. He’s a real family man.”
Jagger has also been very involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting various charities and causes throughout his career. In 2003, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music, but he turned down the knighthood, stating that the title was not something he had aspired to and that he preferred to be seen as an anti-establishment figure.
In recent years, Jagger has faced some personal challenges that have affected his stage presence. In 2014, his long-term partner, fashion designer L’Wren Scott, took her life, leading to the postponement of The Rolling Stones’ tour at the time. Jagger was devastated by her death and later revealed that he still carries a picture of her with him wherever he goes.
Jagger’s personal experiences, both positive and negative, have also influenced his songwriting and performances. The lyrics of many of The Rolling Stones’ songs are drawn from his personal life, exploring themes of love, loss, and the social issues of the time.
Despite his age, Jagger remains one of the most energetic and charismatic performers in the industry. In 2019, at the age of 76, he successfully underwent heart valve surgery, and just three months later, he was back on stage, performing for thousands of adoring fans.
Jagger’s dedication and passion for his craft are evident in his live performances, and he continues to prove that age is just a number when it comes to rocking the stage. But when he’s not performing, Jagger enjoys a simple life, spending time with his family and close friends, and indulging in his love of nature and hiking.
In conclusion, while Mick Jagger’s on-stage persona may be larger than life, there is much more to the man than what meets the eye. He is a devoted family man, a compassionate philanthropist, and a fiercely dedicated musician. Jagger’s personal side may not be as flashy or attention-grabbing, but it is an essential part of what makes him one of the greatest and most enduring rock stars of all time.