Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ron Wood are still rocking the joint despite their age (late 70s and early 80s). Charlie Watts, their drummer, died in 2023.
Their recent live shows were full of energy. The songs sounded fresh and alive. Jagger, recipient of a new aortic heart valve, walked and ran on stage for a total of about 10 kilometres. The band continuously finished with rousing encores of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Satisfaction.”
They have just released a new album called “Hackney Diamonds.” The world is extremely interested.
What gives?
As a physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation, I regularly assess and treat patients with stroke and injury. Some age and recover gracefully, others don’t.
I asked myself, “Why are these geriatric rockers so successful? How can they still excite and interest millions of people across the world?”
This is my analysis of how we need to manage our lives to stay working in old age.
1. Watch your weight. The “Stones” are thin, and it’s not because they are crackheads who don’t have the time or energy to eat. They watch the quantities of food they eat. They choose foods before a show that are easy to digest. Mick Taylor, a former Stones member who sometimes comes out for two songs (“Midnight Rambler” and “Satisfaction”), meets the criteria for obesity. Note: he does not have the same energy as the rest of them.
2. Train. Jagger trains before going on tour. He keeps fit through regular exercise. It’s a protocol he maintains. He bounced back from his recent cardiac surgery due to his previous level of fitness.
3. Surround yourself with great people. The number of indispensable people contributing to the Stones’ success is amazing. These include singers, saxophone players, bass players, a piano player and set-up and planning personnel.
4. Stay away from hard drugs. Yes, the Stones used to have a serious drug problem. Richards was addicted to heroin for a long time. However, they have gotten beyond that. They are not doing the hard drugs, just grass. Richards has recently quit smoking cigarettes.
5. Make good money. All epidemiologic population-based studies show that wealthier countries and people of higher socioeconomic status have overall better health and live longer than others. Money allows you to eat better, live in cleaner, more hygienic environments and allows access to more health-care professionals. The Stones have plenty of money.
6. Take care of your mental health. The Stones are not poster children in this regard. However, they did not tour when Wood was having issues with his much younger girlfriend. They also did not tour when Jagger was divorcing his wife and negotiating with lawyers on settlement terms. Concerts were cancelled when his girlfriend died. Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, feeling under-appreciated or bullied at work affect performance.
When mood and feelings are out of control, it is much harder to be creative, start new projects and practise safe health behaviours. It did take some time for Jagger to accept Richards’ apology (for discussing Jagger’s penis size in his book Life) and for Wood’s relationship(s) to stabilize. However, they regrouped, negotiated a multi-million-dollar work deal and got back on the road.
7. Do good work. The Stones have talent and a great work ethic. The quality of what you do has to shine. Practise it. Get it right. That’s what the Stones do.
Wrapping up: There are many physical and emotional reasons for how the Rolling Stones continue to be a successful rock act. It’s not accidental that they continue to aspire to be the “greatest rock and roll band in the world.” A bit of luck, money, a lot of hard work, great staff, attention to mental and physical health and other intangibles led them to their latest “No Filter” tour, which began on Sept. 9, 2017 in Hamburg, Germany.
They are cranking it up again, in support of their new, fun to listen to, Hackney Diamonds album. We need to learn from them.
Hillel M. Finestone, MD, FRCPC (physiatry), is Director of Stroke Rehabilitation Research, Bruyère Continuing Care, Elisabeth Bruyère Hospital; and Professor,
Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa. Dvorah Finestone assisted with this article.
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