Mick Jagger proved once again that rock ‘n’ roll legends never truly switch off, delivering a charming surprise performance at a small folk night in an Oxford pub.
On June 7, 2026, the Rolling Stones frontman was in Oxford with his partner Melanie Hamrick as guests of Oriel College. After attending Evensong and dining at High Table, Jagger and a small group headed to the historic Half Moon pub in St Clements for their weekly folk session.
There, Jagger joined Matt Clifford (longtime Rolling Stones keyboardist) and Oriel College politics academic Robert Cheah for an impromptu set. They performed a cover of the traditional folk song ‘Handsome Molly’ — a track Jagger had previously recorded for his 1993 solo album Wandering Spirit.
Oriel College shared footage of the moment on social media, writing:
“After dinner and drinks in the SCR a small group went off to the pub where Mick gave an impromptu performance…”
The Half Moon pub was thrilled with the unexpected superstar guest. A spokesperson told the BBC:
“The Half Moon prides itself on its authentic atmosphere and welcoming community. Our Sunday folk session has been going for many years and is open to everyone – whether you’re a beginner player or an international rock star. You never know what to expect at the Half Moon.”
This is pure Mick Jagger — the man can headline stadiums with The Rolling Stones, yet he’s still happy to jump on stage in a tiny pub and sing folk songs with locals. These intimate, unplanned moments are what make legends like Jagger so beloved. While fans wait for the Stones’ new album Foreign Tongues and potential tour, moments like this remind us that the rock icon still lives for performing, no matter the size of the stage.
https://x.com/OrielOxford/status/2064780195073053108
