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Mick Jagger and Keith Richards interview

By James Mottram on Wednesday 9 April 2008

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Mick Jagger and Keith Richards

After forty-five years in the music business, Rolling Stones founder members Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, who both turn 65 this year, prove they're still rock'n'roll rebels in Shine a Light, a new concert film by legendary director Martin Scorsese.

What convinced you to make Shine a Light?

Keith: I think it was the magical name of Scorsese. If Martin Scorsese wants to make a movie around you, you have to consider that this guy has something in mind - and maybe he won't tell you what it is. But at the same time, it's so easy to work with Marty. He has an incredible crew. There were fifteen-odd cameras there and I didn't see one. We could give that room a Rolling Stones show without them being aware you were shooting a movie.

Why do you think the Stones have stayed together for so long?

Mick: Because we were successful. I don't think we stayed together only for the success, but if we hadn't had the success, we wouldn't have stayed together. Why would we stay together if we weren't successful? You need those two things - the love of doing it and the love of other people wanting you to do it. It's a two-way streak.

Do you think performing on stage is like making love?

Mick: Is it like sex? I don't know. Is there an orgasmic moment? Not that there necessarily has to be in sex! It's a different kind of thing. Often times you have to be more calculated about what you do. I don't mean that in a sly way but you have to work out how you're going to approach the show. It's probably the same for every performer.

Keith: There's not a lot of difference! If I've got no baby in the bed, I'll take a guitar.

You went through a lot of drug busts back in the Sixties. How was that to deal with?

Mick: It was very funny, but it wasn't at the time very funny. At the time it wasn't very good, because it completely took over our lives creatively. We couldn't do this or that. You had to spend all your time dealing with the police. We definitely were being targeted. It was quite a common thing really.

Do you ever think about quitting the party lifestyle?

Keith: It never occurred to me! What an idea! What a concept, my boy! I don't rock'n'roll at home. I take the dog for a walk. I take the kids out. I have a family. I mean, it's not all rock'n'roll. But that's what I do. It comes quite natural to me.

Shine a Light opens on 11 April.