Mick Jagger reveals inspiration for The Rolling Stones logo in his Kolkata tour
The name’s Jagger, Mick Jagger – he of the inimitable ‘Jagger Swagger’, ageless appeal, and longevity as a rockstar matched only by the laugh lines on his still mischief-laden face. Back in Kolkata after a decade, the iconic frontman of the British rock act The Rolling Stones talks exclusively to TOI about everything from drawing inspiration from an image of Goddess Kali to how, at 80, he manages to still sound like the Jagger of old in the band’s new album, ‘Hackney Diamonds’.
Discovering the Iconic Logo
Is it true that the tongue on The Stones’ logo was inspired by an image of Kali?
My brother was an early traveler to India. He would give me some books to read. In 1969, I was looking for an image that would be an eye-grabbing thing, and I saw this image of a disembodied tongue of Kali. I thought it would be an inspiration. Then, designer John Pasche created this modernistic version of the tongue logo.
Visiting Kolkata and the Inspiration
So, it took you so many years to see the idol that inspired the iconic logo…
Yes. It was a coincidence since I didn’t know that I would be seeing it when I came to Kolkata. I have one or two friends here who told me where to go. It was very noisy, of course. There were so many fireworks. I have never been to India on Diwali. The lights were fantastic – some were very modernistic, some old-fashioned. It was a great mixture.
Counteracting Aging in the Music Industry
The Challenge of Aging
How do you counter aging?
You could become more introspective, romantic, easy to listen to, and do more ballads. But I never felt the need to do that. I like to sing ballads. There are three ballads on this album. Ever since 1964, we have been doing ballads. But I always like to do high-energy things.
Releasing an Album for Different Generations
How challenging is it to release an album that appeals to the generation of true-blue rock ‘n’ roll fans as well as millennials?
By making an album that doesn’t make you sound like you are 80! You don’t want to disappoint all those who have liked you for a long time. By using a producer like Andrew Watt and the way we mixed it, the soundscape seems like the record was made six months ago. If you place this record next to one done 20-30 years ago, the band is still the same. But the sonic landscape is totally different. Some of the songs are traditional. You have a rock song like ‘Angry’. It is a song that The Rolling Stones fans can relate to. The Rolling Stones has never been a band that has been stuck in one groove. We have always done ballads, rock songs, and blues. I don’t think people are surprised if we do something slightly different. They don’t want a whole album of ‘different-different’, though personally, I wouldn’t mind that.
Collaboration with Lady Gaga
Recording ‘Sound of Heaven’
How was your experience of recording ‘Sound of Heaven’ with Lady Gaga?
I didn’t plan it as a duet with her. We were both working in the same studio in Los Angeles. We had worked earlier before on stage and knew each other. She came into the room to see what was going on. She started to sing with me. It was all very impromptu. Then I gave her the iPad with the lyrics on it. She started singing the lyrics. We did that tape. We came back the next day and did some more. It was great fun working with her. She is a very capable singer. I didn’t know she would sing that song like that. It is not easy for her. There are some very high notes. But she did an amazing job.
Future Collaborations and Exploring Kolkata
Possibility of Collaborating with BCCI or IPL Teams
The Rolling Stones logo appeared on FC Barcelona jerseys at an El Clasico. Does Rolling Stones have such plans with BCCI or any IPL teams?
We don’t have any relationship with any IPL team, (alt
Drawing Inspiration from Satyajit Ray
You recently posted a photograph with Martin Scorsese, who is a huge Satyajit Ray admirer. Have you watched any Ray film?
When I arrived, I thought England might be in one of the semifinals. But I have been in India for a couple of weeks, and I knew that was not going to happen immediately.
Impressions of Kolkata
How has Kolkata changed in your eyes since your last trip?
We have never been to Calcutta before, to play or otherwise. We have been to many places in India but not here. The Beatles came here – every band came here but us. I don’t know how it’s changed. We were just in the hotel and we’ve seen many images. Obviously, the skyline has changed. It gives me some ideas, hahaha.
Conclusion
Mick Jagger’s tour in Kolkata has been a source of inspiration and cultural exploration for the legendary frontman of The Rolling Stones. From drawing inspiration from an image of Goddess Kali for the band’s iconic logo to collaborating with artists like Lady Gaga, Jagger continues to defy age and produce music that resonates with fans across generations. As he explores new horizons and engages with different cultures, Jagger’s influence on the music industry remains undeniably significant.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the story behind The Rolling Stones logo?
The iconic tongue logo of The Rolling Stones was inspired by an image of the Hindu Goddess Kali, which Mick Jagger discovered during a visit to Kolkata in 1969.
2. How does Mick Jagger counteract aging in the music industry?
Mick Jagger defies aging in the music industry by staying true to his high-energy style and continuing to produce music that appeals to both longtime fans and younger generations.
3. How was Mick Jagger’s experience recording ‘Sound of Heaven’ with Lady Gaga?
Mick Jagger’s experience recording ‘Sound of Heaven’ with Lady Gaga was impromptu and enjoyable. The collaboration showcased both artists’ talents and resulted in an amazing duet.
4. Are there any plans for The Rolling Stones to collaborate with BCCI or IPL teams?
Currently, there are no plans for The Rolling Stones to collaborate with BCCI or any IPL teams.
5. Has Mick Jagger watched any Satyajit Ray films?
Mick Jagger is a fan of Martin Scorsese