rolling stones

Mick Jagger, 70

Donna1 Comment
Photo of Mick Jagger
Rolling Stone Mick Jagger on stage at Wellington Town Hall. Further negatives of the Evening Post newspaper. Ref: EP/1965/0520-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23228931

Dang! Mick Jagger is 70 years old today. He has just rocked Glastonbury, and had Bono digging his wrinkles.

In 1965, The Rolling Stones visited Invercargill. Jagger (or possibly Keith Richards) infamously described it as “the arsehole of the world”.

Did you know a section of wall with his name on it is held in the archives of the Invercargill Public Library?

Here are some things Mick:

 

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Keith Richards’ secret wish to be a librarian

zackids8 Comments

In an earlier blog post Richard told us about the quirky new book What would Keith Richards do? which is a book of quotes plus “collected thoughts on philosophy and the path to enlightenment, daily affirmations, recipes and fashion advice from the collected interviews of The Human Riff himself, Keith Richards.”  In the paper yesterday I learned of another passion of this rock legend.

According to an article  It’s only books ’n’ shelves but I like it, Keith Richards has confessed to a secret wish to be a librarian.  He has a huge collection of books, particularly on the history of rock and World War II, in his homes in England and America and has been known to lend out copies of the latest novels to friends.  I think it’s awesome that a rock legend loves books and collects them (not just for looking at).  He certainly doesn’t look like the stereotypical librarian and I’m not sure how I’d feel about him checking my books out.

You can read more about how books have affected Keith Richards when his autobiography, Life, comes out later this year, but I wanted to share this quote from the article,

When you are growing up there are two institutional places that affect you most powerfully: the church, which belongs to God, and the public library, which belongs to you. The public library is a great equaliser.

Stones immaculate – The Rolling Stones

Donna4 Comments

SwayThe Rolling Stones are having a bit of a cultural moment what with Martin Scorsese’s Shine a Light and a new novel called Sway by Zachary Lazar gaining a fair bit of critical attention.

Sway features fictionalised versions of the Stones, Kenneth Anger and Bobby Beausoleil (linked to Charles Manson). Mick n Keef, Brian Jones and his tragic death and the debacle of the Altamont festival, and all the myths and legends attached to the Rolling Stones are part of our culture now.

One of the savviest examples of the Stones influence is Liz Phair. Her album Exile in Guyville is a song by song reply to Exile in Main Street by the Rolling Stones.

The Rolling Stones song Gimme Shelter is surely one of the most used pieces of soundtrack music. It resonates through Goodfellas (but strangely is not on the soundtrack album). Wikipedia does a cool summary of where it’s appeared on tv and movies.

Ronnie Wood has written his autobiography but for me Charlie Watts is probably the coolest Stone. He doesn’t drive but has some legendary cars and has suits made to measure to match their interiors. He was interviewed in May 2008’s Q.

By the Rolling Stones
About the Rolling Stones