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“There are bound to be influences, the roots should remain intact.”

The living legend Mick Jagger says political and social situations will continue to inspire music.

“You call yourself a Christian,

I think that you are a hypocrite

You say you are a patriot

I think you are a crock of shit”

Those who follow the religion called Rock ‘n’ Roll and pray to the deity called Mick Jagger don’t need to jog their memories to recall this 2005 number of Rolling Stones. Called “Sweet Neo Con”, it was interpreted as anti-George Bush. At that time, Mick refused to bracket it as directed against one person. Today when one puts the question to him he nods in affirmative.

In Jodhpur on a holiday to watch the inaugural Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) organised by Jaipur Virasat Foundation and Mehrangarh Museum Trust, Mick avers the days of ideology-driven music can never be over no matter how many Shakiras and Beyonces rise up the popularity charts. Preferring the word “politics” over “ideology”, Mick says, “For Rock ‘n’ Roll it cannot be the first subject. Personal relationships will continue to hold this place. But to me, political and social comment definitely comes second. It’s essential for a constructive dialogue between the different stakeholders in the society.”

A personal guest of Maharaja of Jodhpur Gaj Singh II, Mick along with his friend, fashion stylist L’wra Scott fell in love with the folk music of Rajasthan. Having seen 64 springs, Mick’s lean and wiry frame and an unalloyed smile makes him look younger than his years. However, a closer look and the fault lines on his face give away that this Stone has weathered.

“The RIFF was heady! I really liked the way established names (Hari Prasad Chaurasia and Indian Ocean) shared the stage with the folk artistes. India offers a variety of music – classical, folk, Bollywood. Then I believe there is a difference between North Indian classical and South Indian classical. It is always interesting to listen to these pure and fusion forms,” says Mick reclining on a majestic chair at Umaid Bhawan Palace.

However, the instrument that moved the rock musician, song writer, actor and film producer the most is flute. “Its sound has an ethereal feel to it. Though flute is no longer just an Indian instrument, the tonal quality of Indian flute is unique. Our metallic flutes can’t match the bamboo ones in tonality. And of course the subtlety, it is quite a contrast to what we do,” quips the man known for his trademark dancing on the stage.

But how has he come to know so much about Indian music? “India and its diverse culture interest me. Here, different cultures exist side by side and then my daughter Jade keeps coming here for her jewellery business.”

Talking of business, Mick went to London School of Economics and is one of the rare musicians to look after the business side well. “It’s more of a necessity. I don’t enjoy it.”

Coming back to his first love, Mick finds the term ‘world music’ odd. “Everyone has come up with his own definition of the term. To me, Blues is Blues wherever you play it or for that matter flute or Indian classical music. And, if you are combining different forms fusion is a better word.” As for purity, Mick feels you can’t preserve the purest form forever. “There are bound to be influences, the roots should remain intact.”

One of the oldest group that is still active, Rolling Stones made its presence felt for the first time on the music charts with songs like “The Last Time” and “Come On” some 40 years back and since then there is no going back. Often criticised for promoting immorality with songs like “Wild Horses” and “Brown Sugar” – Mick once said he is a conservative with a small ‘c’ – by talking about drugs and sex in their songs, the band has all along evoked extreme reactions and an unparalleled following. Mick says apart from social issues, it’s the man-woman relationship that inspires him to write. The veteran is still busy writing songs. Now, he is looking forward to an Asian tour. “India would be a part of it but I can’t give a dateline. I wish we could perform in Delhi this time.” On the acting front he keeps mum but as a producer he is soon coming up with a concert film to be co-produced by Martin Scorsese.

Keep it rolling, Mick!

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