Mick Jagger believes concertgoers are there for the music, not political commentary.
The Rolling Stones frontman shared his perspective during an interview on The New York Times’ podcast Saturday after being asked about Bruce Springsteen’s recent onstage speeches aimed at President Trump.
Host David Marchese noted that Springsteen “clearly sees his job as engaging in a meaningful back and forth” with fans before asking Jagger what his connection to his own audience means.
“The bottom line of my thing really is that my job in the live music world is [for] those people that come is to have the best time they possibly can,” Jagger responded.
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He explained that for the two hours of a show, he wants fans to “forget all their problems and the problems of the world and their mortgages and whatever,” and simply enjoy themselves.
Jagger, who is 82, said he views live performances as a form of escape from everyday pressures.
“It’s similar to going to a sports event, really, because everything else is shouted out. You’re just watching who’s going to win. You’re not worrying about everything else,” he said.
He also emphasized that audiences differ from place to place, requiring artists to adapt their energy to the crowd rather than expecting identical reactions at every show.
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“Your job is to make them have the best time they possibly can,” Jagger said, reinforcing his philosophy about keeping concerts focused on entertainment rather than speeches.
His comments come as Springsteen continues to take jabs at Trump during his “Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour.”
The New Jersey rocker has labeled Trump’s administration “reckless” and even called the president “treasonous.”
Springsteen also released a song referring to “King Trump” and his “federal thugs,” written in response to the deaths of anti-ICE protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
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Trump retaliated with a post on Truth Social calling Springsteen a “dried up prune” and encouraged his supporters to boycott the tour.
Jagger made clear that he is not entirely opposed to including politics in his music, but prefers to do so subtly.
“I’ve got into this habit of doing songs that are about personal relationships and then I throw a verse about politics in there,” he said.
“Nobody wants to hear a whole song about politics,” he added, stressing his belief that balance keeps music enjoyable for everyone.
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However, Jagger’s avoidance of political lecturing does not mean he never takes aim at politicians.
During the Rolling Stones’ performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in May 2024, he had a lighthearted dig at Republican Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
“We’re a welcoming crowd, aren’t we?” he told the audience. “I hope Mr. Landry is enjoying the show. He’s real inclusive you know. He’s trying to take us back to the Stone Age.”
Landry was quick to respond online, joking on X, “You can’t always get what you want. The only person who might remember the Stone Age is Mick Jagger. Love you buddy, you’re always welcome in Louisiana! #LoveMyCountryMusic.”
Despite that exchange, Jagger maintained that his primary purpose on stage is to give fans a positive, uplifting experience.
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