The Rolling Stones’ lives have always appeared glamorous, filled with sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. They practiced what they preached better than any other band on the planet, truly embodying the spirit of the 1960s. It included sleeping their way around the world, playing record-breaking sell-out shows, and making friends and enemies along the way. Mick Jagger is the best musician to turn to when you’re looking for a good story, especially with his lifestyle. His flamboyance and willingness to say and do whatever he wanted landed him in some unique situations in his life. Some of which were quite enjoyable, others quite dark.
Like all rock stars, we are only susceptible to the glamour. We saw him on tour, dressed fancy and getting out of beautiful cars with beautiful people by his side. But there was much more to his life than that. Mick Jagger, too, went through dark periods, whether by choice or due to circumstances beyond his control. Whether it’s his insecurities being exposed, moral questions being raised, or talent being ridiculed, he’s been hit with the blunt stick of public image more than once, and it’s past time we looked into it.
These are some of The Rolling Stones frontman’s darkest moments.
Upstaged by monkeys
If you know anything about Mick Jagger, you’ll know that his live show is one of the most crucial aspects of his entire career. Even now, when he tours, he puts everything into the show and doesn’t leave anything behind. As such, when a group of monkeys upstaged The Rolling Stones, it wasn’t a high point for the band or the lead singer.
4,000 women, one tiny todger
It was estimated that Jagger had slept with around 4,000 women in his life, unsurprising given so much of his brand revolved around sex and being a womanizer. He was the other man in several affairs, including one with Donald Trump’s ex-girlfriend, but his fellow bandmate Keith Richards once tried to tarnish his image as a love rat by saying he had a small penis.
Sweet iron lady
There probably isn’t anything less rock and roll than talking up Margaret Thatcher, but that’s precisely what Jagger did when she passed, saying he thought the controversial politician was a breath of fresh air and he didn’t understand why people were so against her. Because so many of their fans were from humble working-class backgrounds that were undoubtedly affected by Thatcher’s actions, these comments don’t paint Jagger in the best light.
Starting a civil rights movement
The Rolling Stones were always upfront about their sexual endeavors; however, in describing them, they were often incredibly offensive. Usually, this offense manifested as tuts from higher-ups and radios banning songs, but in one instance, the band went too far when a racist comment almost started a civil rights movement.
He vowed to make a racist and sexist album
In the aftermath of the controversy for ‘Some Girls’, the persistent questioning of the band’s intentions got to Jagger. During one interview, he let loose, vowing to make an album with the intention of offending.
