Mick Jagger pulled out of an appearance at the Davos World Economic Forum after he got the feeling that Britain's Conservative Party might be using him for political purposes.
Mick Jagger issued a statement on Wednesday after he canceled his appearance at an event in Davos along with Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson, both of whom are members of Britain's Conservative Party.
The purpose of the event, dubbed "The Great British Tea Party" was to promote tourism and business investment in Britain ahead of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 London Olympic Games set for this summer.
In his statement, Jagger said he thought he was being used as a "political football", after whispers began that Sir Mick was a Tory.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Jagger believed his presence might just give a boost to Cameron and Johnson's popularity numbers. His statement read in part:
"'During my career I have always eschewed party politics and came to Davos as a guest, as I thought it would be stimulating. I have always been interested in economics and world events. I now find myself being used as a political football and there has been a lot of comment about my political allegiances which are inaccurate".
Denials were issued to media by unnamed political figures in the Conservative Party. ''Clearly we are disappointed that Sir Mick doesn't feel he can support a non-political event that promotes Britain,'' the source said. ''At no point was there ever any suggestion that Sir Mick was a Conservative."
Jagger was not the only entertainment personality expected to be part of the meetings, but he was certainly one with the highest profile. It would have been a first for the Rolling Stone lead singer to join a Conservative Party Prime Minister to promote a cause of any kind.
The Rock N' Roll legend's late mother was known as a Tory but her son claims that he has steered clear of the "party politics" he seems to disclaim with this late move that was certainly embarrassing to the PM.
The Rolling Stones have yet to announce a tour for this summer but rumors are that one is in the works. It would mark their 50th anniversary as a band and as one fan site pointed out, when they take the stage the combined age of the band members will exceed 260 years.
Drummer Charley Watts turns 70 this year and what better way to celebrate entering one's eighth decade than to play for crowds around the world? The band last toured in 2005 through 2007 in their Bigger Bang World Tour. It was called the highest grossing concert tour of all time.
The Stones have sold over 200 million albums since their formation in 1962, and they'll undoubtedly be playing tunes from most of them if they form a 50th anniversary tour.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons/Mario Escherle
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
Comments
#1 Mick's Politics
To say that Jagger "has never expressed any political preference or leanings" is not quite accurate. Over the years he's had occasion to chastise Britain's growing class of welfare recipients, complaining about the taxes he was paying from the retreat of his French chateau.
#2 Jagger thinks
that tax complaints don't brand him a Tory, however. The hype around this became too much. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
#3 Mick is Great.
Mick is sharp as a tack. Remember all those performers who backtracked, and donated money to charity when it became known they performed personally for Ghadafi? That is not Mick, he might look silly dancing on stage nowadays, but he really is a man of integrity. I have always liked Mick, and I think of him as one of the smartest people of his generation.