Introduction
At 81, Mick Jagger Finally Breaks His Silence on Brian Jones: “I’ve Carried This Weight for Years…”
More than half a century has passed since Brian Jones—the founder of the legendary band The Rolling Stones—died under mysterious circumstances in his swimming pool in 1969. Though rumors and theories about his death have never truly faded, the remaining band members have rarely spoken publicly about their true relationship with the gifted yet troubled musician.
Now, at the age of 81, Mick Jagger—the iconic frontman of The Rolling Stones—has finally opened up in a heartfelt and revealing interview. “I think about Brian more often than people realize,” Jagger admitted. “He was the wild lightning bolt, the first musical soul of the band, and also one of the most complicated people I’ve ever known.”
Jagger didn’t shy away from the difficulties in their relationship, acknowledging that Jones’s intense creativity often came with instability and conflict. “At times, he drifted away from us—emotionally and musically. But no one can deny the imprint Brian left on the band’s original identity,” Jagger added.
What made the interview particularly moving was Jagger’s reflection on the moment he learned of Jones’s death. “I felt numb. No matter what had happened between us, I never wished for that. It was a loss I’ve never fully come to terms with.”
Jagger’s words offer fans a deeper understanding of Brian Jones—not just as a brilliant yet troubled artist—but also as a vital part of The Rolling Stones’ early spirit. And for the first time in decades, Mick Jagger allowed his heart to speak, giving voice to the unspoken grief that’s followed him for much of his life.