Mick Jagger Rocks His Old School with Surprise Visit and Stage Jam

Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of The Rolling Stones, made a surprise visit to his old school, Dartford Grammar School in Kent, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Mick Jagger Centre. The centre, named after him, is dedicated to performing arts and music, and has played a significant role in inspiring young musicians in the area. At 82 years old, Sir Mick returned to the place where his musical journey began, sharing advice and memories with students and teachers.

During his visit, Mick Jagger spoke to students about the importance of perseverance in pursuing a career in music. He told them, 'work really hard and not give up,' emphasizing that success in music requires both dedication and a bit of luck. He recalled that when he was growing up, music was not considered a serious career, but everything changed rapidly in the early 1960s. Mick got his big break with The Rolling Stones, and now he wants to encourage the next generation to follow their dreams. He expressed gratitude to the music teachers at the centre, acknowledging their role in inspiring children and young people to pursue music.

The Mick Jagger Centre, which opened in 2000, is home to the Dartford Music School and the Dartford Symphony Orchestra. To mark its 25th anniversary, the centre launched a series of events in October. Mick Jagger funds the Red Rooster project, which offers free music tuition to local primary schools, helping children discover their talents. He believes that expressing oneself through song, drama, art, and dance is important for everyone. Although his involvement with the centre has been limited, Mick feels a strong connection to it and is proud of the work being done.

The school's headmaster, Julian Metcalf, described Mick Jagger's visit as 'very special and the icing on the cake. ' He said that Mick watched a student concert, which he enjoyed, and even performed on stage with the students. The headmaster was impressed by Mick's genuine interest in the school and the local community. Mick Jagger first met his Rolling Stones bandmate, Keith Richards, at Dartford station, and their friendship led to the formation of the band in 1962. Dartford celebrates its connection to The Rolling Stones, with several streets named after their songs. Mick Jagger's visit was a memorable event for the school, inspiring students to work hard and pursue their passions in music.