rolling stones jagger press nme 1964Yesterday's Papers

The Rolling Stones: Jagger Speaks His Mind (1964)

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The Rolling Stones in the press: “Mick Jagger Always Speaks His Mind!”

MICK JAGGER: YOUNG, LOUD AND UNFILTERED
Back in 1964, The Rolling Stones were still the scrappy new kids, but Mick Jagger already had the mouth of a seasoned frontman. In an early interview, he spoke with sharp confidence, brushing off critics who said rock ‘n’ roll was just a fad. Jagger wasn’t just singing the songs—he was defining the band’s voice, mixing swagger, charm, and blunt honesty. Even then, it was clear he wasn’t here to play nice, but to last.

*From the New Musical Express. England, May 22 1964

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rolling stones press mick jagger always nme 1964

The Voice of a Generation: Jagger Takes the Mic for the Stones

In the early days of 1964, long before they became rock legends, The Rolling Stones were still finding their footing. But even then, Mick Jagger had no trouble speaking on behalf of the band. Charismatic, opinionated, and sharp, Jagger was quickly emerging not just as the band’s frontman, but also as its public voice. In a candid interview that year, Jagger delivered confident and blunt remarks that reflected both youthful swagger and surprising self-awareness. With a disarming mix of charm and conviction, he talked about the Stones’ place in music, dismissing notions of rock ‘n’ roll as a passing trend and defending the group’s raw, unpolished sound.

Mick didn’t just promote the band—he defined it. He challenged critics and skeptics alike, asserting the Stones’ refusal to conform to commercial expectations. This wasn’t just a musician giving an interview; it was a young artist establishing a new standard for how bands could communicate with the public. His words weren’t filtered or rehearsed—they were direct, authentic, and distinctly his own.

Speaking for the Stones—And Beyond

What stood out in Jagger’s 1964 remarks wasn’t only his command of the moment, but his early understanding of image, identity, and independence. He positioned the Stones as outsiders who weren’t afraid to challenge the status quo, both musically and culturally. It was clear that the band wasn’t aiming to be another Beatles—they were carving out something grittier, something real.

This early glimpse of Jagger’s media persona foreshadowed decades of fearless interviews and unflinching honesty. Speaking for the Stones in 1964, he wasn’t just defending a band—he was setting the tone for a movement that would shake the foundations of popular music.

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