Although Jagger's character is of palatial size and grandeur, it has been evident that it cannot remain erect on the music scene without the buttresses of his talented band mates. In the 1980s, Jagger made his first unsuccessful attempts at a solo career, and his recently-released "Goddess in the Doorway" became the target of a tongue-in-cheek charity. The British tabloid The Sun bought 100 copies of the flopping album in the name of "Mick Aid," calling on readers to follow suit.
While it seems clear that Jagger should stick with his mates on stage, the aged but ambitious Rolling Stone may have something to offer onscreen. His Jagged Films production company is planning such interesting projects as "The Map of Love," about poet Dylan Thomas, and "Tania," based on a romance of revolutionary Che Guevara.
As one of the most lusted-after men around the globe, it does not come as a surprise that the women of Jagger's romantic history are almost equally pursued. Marianne Faithfull became Jagger's first high-profile girlfriend after the infamous 1967 drug bust at Keith Richards' home, during which Jagger nearly served a three-month jail sentence to save her from charges. The year 1971 marked Jagger's marriage to social queen, model and actress Bianca de Marcias, who split with him in 1977. Jagger's second marriage didn't come until 1990, when he married his on-and-off supermodel girlfriend Jerry Hall. The marriage lasted until 1999, when Jagger fathered the child of Brazilian model Luciana Morad while on tour and Hall called it quits. Jagger's other dalliances include television actress Mariella Frostrup, Uma Thurman, and models Sophie Dahl, Jana Rajich and L'Wren Scott.
Ron Wood had a considerably impressive track record before joining the Stones to regularly twist guitar melodies with Keith Richards. Wood played both guitar and bass guitar for Jeff Beck in the 1960s before moving on to play with Rod Stewart in the short-lived band The Faces. Tired of backing up, Wood launched his solo career in 1974, attracting George Harrison and Keith Richards to contribute to his albums. Richards invited Wood to join the Stones and, while the Stones added glitz to Wood's repertoire, he has continued with his solo albums as well as occasionally playing with greats such as Bob Dylan and Ringo Starr.
Keith Richards met Mick Jagger in primary school in Kent, and they were reunited at a train station when Jagger noticed Richards clutching a pile of American blues records. Richards played with Jagger in their first band, Little Boy Blue and the Blues Boys, and has been delivering his solid, characteristically "Keef Riff-hard" guitar work ever since.
Instead of displaying his talent in Mick's style of flamboyant theatrical bravado, Richards delivers his strength with steady strumming that keep the many Stones hits alive. While Jagger's lips remain fixed in a ruthless snarl throughout live performances, Richards is often seen in a gleeful grin, neck craned over his guitar. It would be hard not to smile while shooting off the legendary opening riffs of ageless hits such as "Start Me Up," "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash." Just knowing that the familiar yet stirring notes are driving thousands wild. One could say that Mick is the meat and Richards is the potatoes that are needed to complete the meal.
Is it possible to be sheepish and cool at once? Charlie Watts seems to be testament to the fact. He plays with sure hands, nodding his head with both confidence and humility. A dependable and nimble force behind the drum set, Watts has been the heartbeat for Jagger's and Richard's body of sound since the Rolling Stones were formed, while the band has replaced its guitarists and bassist.
Inspired by Charlie Parker, Watts tried his hand at jazz music in 1991. The Charlie Watts quintet includes saxophonist Peter King, bassist David Green, pianist Brian Lemon, and horn player Brian Presencer. While the combo has produced four well-received albums, Watts has kept rolling with the Stones in tandem with his jazz endeavors.
Watts' latest record, created with fellow drumming guru Jim Keltner, "The Charlie Watts/Jim Keltner Project," released in May 2000, indicates his departure from a uniquely early-jazz influence. Although every track is named in honor of a legendary jazz drummer, Watts and Keltner blend the old rules with techno and world music-inspired beats.
One might wonder if Charlie Watts' persistent self-reinvention clashes with the forever-touring, hit-playing behavior of his fellow Stones, but on the contrary his innovative musicianship is what keeps his bands' hottest songs spicy: his instinctive wrist-flicking and pedal-driving keep the smash (overplayed) hits moving.