Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of The Rolling Stones, has fond memories of performing in Singapore, spanning nearly five decades. In a recent interview, the 82-year-old rock icon recalled the band's first show in Asia at the Singapore Badminton Hall in 1965, describing it as "a quite small place." The Stones returned to Singapore in 2003 for two nights at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, and most recently in 2014 at Marina Bay Sands' Grand Ballroom, where Jagger famously endeared himself to the local audience by dropping Singlish phrases like "Wah lau, your weather damn hot" and "stylo milo," even teasing guitarist Ronnie Wood as "blur like sotong."
Looking back, Jagger laughed about using the "Singaporean sort of dialect," noting humorously that "of course, not everyone understood it, because not everyone was (from) Singapore." He expressed a strong desire to return to the city-state for another show, saying, "I always have a good time there. I like Singapore very much and, yeah, I would really like to go back and do a show there."
The Stones are now gearing up for the release of their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues, on July 10. The album comes three years after Hackney Diamonds, their first album of original material since 2005's A Bigger Bang, and their first since the death of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021. Produced by 35-year-old Grammy-winning American Andrew Watt, the record features cameos by Paul McCartney, Robert Smith of The Cure, and Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer Chad Smith, as well as drums recorded by Watts before his death.
The album blends original songs with covers, including a rendition of Amy Winehouse's 2006 hit You Know I'm No Good. According to Jagger, the decision to cover Winehouse's song was spontaneous. "We didn't have that idea until we got halfway through," he revealed.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the new album is the use of artificial intelligence in the music video for the lead single, In The Stars, released in May. The video uses AI technology to visually de-age Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood back to their 1970s prime. Jagger admitted that seeing his younger self on screen was surreal but said he got used to it quickly. However, the technology required constant refinement. "The beginning of them, they're not perfect, so you keep getting them sent on your computer... You go, like, ah, you know, that's really not right," he explained.
Jagger also poked fun at his bandmates' digital facelifts. "It wasn't right. Keith and Ronnie didn't look like Keith and Ronnie at all, you know. (The makers of the video) spent a lot of time on me, thank you very much. I look pretty good."
While the music video was a playful experiment, Jagger holds nuanced views on the broader implications of generative AI in the music industry. He acknowledged that AI could be a threat, with people making new Stones songs without authorization, but he views AI as a natural evolution of studio technology. The Stones have always embraced technological advancements, from early adoption of computerized mixing consoles in the late 1970s to vintage analog gear.
"The studio is a big technical tool to make music," Jagger said. "So of course, AI is part of making the studio part of your work." He noted that the band's engineers still source classic analog equipment alongside cutting-edge tools, reflecting a blend of old and new that defined the recording of Foreign Tongues.
For the current record, the band came meticulously prepared, with nearly all songs prepped before entering the studio. "Nearly all these songs are prepped before they go in... So you have 12 songs that you know are more or less done," Jagger explained. Still, there was room for spontaneity, as seen with the Winehouse cover.
Jagger attributes the Stones' lasting creativity to remaining open-minded while making the album. "You mustn't fall in love with the demo," he emphasized, adding that flexibility in arrangements is key.
After more than 60 years in rock 'n' roll, Jagger remains focused on the music. While acknowledging that the band's eventual end is inevitable, he said, "I don't know, I mean, obviously it can't go on forever. I would say I'll push it until I feel it's no good."
The Rolling Stones' journey began in London in 1962 when Jagger, Richards, and original members Brian Jones, Ian Stewart, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman formed the band. They quickly became the face of the British Invasion, with hits like "Satisfaction" and "Paint It Black" defining a generation. Over the decades, the band has weathered lineup changes, personal struggles, and evolving music trends, yet they remain a dominant force in rock.
Singapore has always held a special place in the band's history. Their 1965 performance at the Singapore Badminton Hall marked their first foray into Asia, and the local audience embraced them warmly. The 2014 MBS show was particularly memorable for Jagger's Singlish antics, which showcased his ability to connect with fans on a personal level.
The release of Foreign Tongues comes at a time when the music industry is grappling with the implications of AI. Jagger's cautious embrace of the technology reflects a broader trend among veteran artists who are experimenting with new tools while preserving their traditional sound. The album's lead single, In The Stars, has generated significant buzz, not just for its AI-enhanced video but also for its lyrical depth and musical craftsmanship.
As the Rolling Stones prepare for a possible tour, fans in Singapore remain hopeful for another visit. Jagger's enthusiastic comments suggests that the band may soon announce new dates. In the meantime, Foreign Tongues promises to be a landmark addition to the Stones' discography, blending nostalgia with forward-thinking innovation.
The album features contributions from a diverse range of musicians, underscoring the Stones' ability to remain relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. McCartney's involvement is particularly noteworthy, given the historic rivalry between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Jagger described the collaboration as "natural" and "exciting," highlighting the mutual respect between the two icons.
Robert Smith's appearance adds a darker, atmospheric layer to the album, while Chad Smith's drumming provides a modern edge. The inclusion of Watts' prerecorded drums serves as a poignant tribute to the late drummer, who was a cornerstone of the band's sound for nearly six decades.
The production process for Foreign Tongues was a departure from previous albums, with Andrew Watt bringing a fresh perspective. Watt, who worked with artists ranging from Justin Bieber to Jungkook, encouraged the band to experiment with different genres and recording techniques. The result is an album that combines the classic Stones swagger with contemporary production values.
In addition to the music, the Rolling Stones have invested heavily in the visual presentation of Foreign Tongues. The AI video for In The Stars represents a significant investment in technology, but Jagger is wary of its potential misuse. He noted that the band's data is widely available, making them an easy target for AI-generated imitations. However, he is optimistic that the industry will develop regulations to protect artists' rights.
As the Rolling Stones celebrate more than six decades of music, Jagger remains as passionate as ever. His reflections on AI, Singapore, and the band's longevity offer a glimpse into the mind of a true rock pioneer. With Foreign Tongues, the Stones prove that age is no barrier to creativity, and that their music will continue to inspire generations to come.
Source:The Straits Times News