Mick Jagger on John Lennon: A Deep Connection from The Stones

By Marcelo Sonaglioni on April 29, 2025

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Rolling Stones Quotes: Mick Jagger on John Lennon

“I liked John a lot. He was the one I really got on with the most. We weren’t buddy-buddies but we were always friendly. But after the Beatles and the Stones stopped playing clubs, we didn’t see each other that much until he separated from Yoko, around 1974. We got really friendly again. And when he went back with Yoko, he went into hibernation … when I went to visit someone in the Dakota, I’d leave him a note saying: ‘I live next door: I know you don’t want to see anyone, but if you do, please call.’ He never did.”

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Mick Jagger and John Lennon: A Friendship Rooted in Respect

Mick Jagger and John Lennon’s relationship is one of the most iconic and complex friendships in rock history. Although they were both giants in the music world, their paths crossed in various ways over the years. Their bond was marked by mutual respect and admiration, but also by moments of rivalry and tension, typical of the competitive nature of the music industry. The early days of their relationship saw them as friendly contemporaries, sharing a love for pushing musical boundaries. Jagger, fronting The Rolling Stones, and Lennon, leading The Beatles, were both revolutionizing rock music during the 1960s.

Despite their individual fame, they were never far from each other’s influence. Jagger has often spoken about his respect for Lennon’s songwriting and innovative style. At the same time, Lennon was known to appreciate the Stones’ rebellious, blues-infused approach to rock. Over time, their friendship grew deeper, though occasionally marked by the stress of fame.

Collaborations and Tensions: The Stones vs. The Beatles

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, their friendship was often tested by competition between The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. As the two bands dominated the global music scene, critics and fans often compared the two. At times, their rivalry was more imagined than real, though there were occasional jabs in the press. Lennon and Jagger both admitted to moments of jealousy and competition but never allowed it to overshadow their respect for each other’s artistic achievements.

Despite these tensions, the two legends continued to share mutual admiration throughout their careers, and in later years, their friendship flourished. Jagger would reflect fondly on their shared moments and continue to speak highly of Lennon’s influence on his work.

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