Mick Jagger Declares Nothing Good About Aging Ahead of 83rd Birthday
Sir Michael Philip Jagger, the 82‑year‑old frontman of the Rolling Stones, told a New York Times podcast that aging offers no silver lining. In a candid interview on July 23, 2026, the veteran rocker said the inevitable decline erodes physical ability and memory, and that he has forgotten even the wisdom he once claimed to possess.
The remarks came as the band readies a birthday celebration for Jagger’s 83rd birthday on July 26. The Stones will mark the milestone with a special event in St. Petersburg, Florida, on July 25, and the interview followed the release of their first studio album of original material in 18 years, Foreign Tongues, which dropped in early July. The conversation was hosted by David Marchese of the New York Times and reported by RadarOnline and other outlets.
During the interview, Jagger described aging as a process that erodes physical ability and memory. "There’s nothing good about it. Nothing. You don’t get wisdom. You forget everything. Forgot all my wisdom," he said. He added that he may have had a few pearls of insight, but he has forgotten what they were. Jagger also noted that he can still perform, but must be more careful and that the experience is not pleasant.
The comments surprised those close to the singer. A source familiar with Jagger’s recent appearances said that people around him were taken aback by his bluntness about getting older, noting that it is not typical for him to dwell on limitations. Another insider said that fans, accustomed to seeing him as invincible, are now worried about his health and longevity. While fans shared the interview on social media, the Stones’ management has yet to issue an official statement.
Beyond aging, Jagger reflected on the isolating effects of fame. "Obviously, it’s not normal. It is not like most people’s lives. It does affect you. You can become disassociated from other people," he said. He explained that performers often surround themselves with others in the industry, which can distance them from everyday life. Jagger said he tries to stay grounded by walking alone on the street and doing ordinary things, but he believes that psychological damage is permanent. The comments echo a broader trend of musicians speaking openly about mental health challenges.
Despite the bleak tone of his remarks, Jagger emphasized that his primary goal remains to deliver memorable live performances. "The bottom line is that my job in the live music world is to (ensure) people that come have the best time they possibly can, and for two hours forget all their problems and the problems of the world," he said. He added that the audience should leave feeling energized, not lectured. The Rolling Stones have continued to tour into their 70s, with the band’s most recent tour in 2025 drawing large crowds and demonstrating the enduring demand for their live shows.
Foreign Tongues includes 12 tracks and was produced by the band’s long‑time collaborators. The album’s release, coupled with the upcoming birthday celebration at Cage Brewing on July 25, places Jagger’s comments at a pivotal moment for the band. The statements have sparked conversation about the physical demands of long‑term touring and the personal challenges faced by veteran musicians, underscoring the industry’s ongoing scrutiny of age, health, and performance longevity.
