How the Rolling Stones Have Been Doing it So Long

[@themoscowcoupattempt]

I used to work at a recording studio in LA. Mick and Keith were there for a couple weeks mixing and doing overdubs (if i recall correctly). Never saw Keith (he came in late after I had left) but Mick was as pleasant as you'd hope he'd be. There were no "don't look at him" orders or anything like that. Had a nice conversation with him in the lobby for about 10 minutes one day. I think a lot of this "don't look at him" stuff comes from the handlers and not the guys in the band. It's fairly common for the PAs to be overzealous about protecting the talent.

[@agold1702]

Exactly. Handlers have marching orders and schedules. Still you’d hope for a little more time for light banter.

[@alexandergannon7058]

Totally I was gonna write the exact same thing. I've worked security before and usually if there are strict rules around the clients it comes from the company and less from the clients themselves

[@ericcook5224]

This is true. And he probably should have either known that from being there or at least figured it out. Years ago I had a friend that did some volunteer rody work when they came to town and she said that Jagger just walked through real quick not looking at anybody. But he didn't want to get bogged down in conversations, compliments, sign this ...sign that...because he was very busy. As it turned out, security DID want the help to keep their distance and just do the work to keep things on schedule.

[@birdy1numnum]

*Sounds like Lars is talking about...LARS. Again.*

[@elizagray1397]

performing is demanding and Mick is focused and protecting his energy to perform so he can give it all to the show.

[@sydbarrett5]

James: That's weird. I was allowed to hang out with Mick. Kirk: Yeah me too. Looked him in the eye and everything. Robert: Those guys were cool.

[@MarcoPolux]

Jason Newsted: And those parties at Keith Richard´s hotel room when he didn´t want James Kirk and I to leave.

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

Honestly, this is the only story I've ever heard describing Mick in such a fashion. In truth, he built a reputation for being chummy with his supporting acts (which he typically handpicked), and while I know this was later in the early 2000s, I am going to chalk it up to an overzealous “handler.”

[@Mftjan2000]

I agree...it isn't fair to blame Mick for something someone else did.

[@blackcat4859]

@@Mftjan2000 The more disappointing bit which hasn't got anything to do with the assistant, it's the very short meet and greet on the way to the stage. Why not do 5 or 10 minutes in a room to take a few pictures have a brief chat.

[@sympathyforthebezel6068]

Kinda passive aggressive story on Lars’ part. “This is about us and not about the stones.” Yeah right Lars

[@Mncrr]

Love how 2 former and present members said Lars is a mediocre drummer. He talks like a star

[@dirkbag22]

Mick is so focused, he doesn't want to be interrupted.

[@danmayberry1185]

I think so. Keith and Charlie put up with his ego for decades, but he did some acting, and probably stays in character before performing.

[@saintsataniko2116]

Loads of performers are like this prior to a show. Even standup comedians don't want anyone talking to them before a set. Mick just wants to get in his routine and limber up because that dude knows he's going to be working his ass off on stage for the next three hours.

[@Mftjan2000]

I thought of that, too....Right before going on may not want to chat.

[@boscopappas234]

Bill was referring to Roger Waters. The “Yet You Did” line is one of his favorites. He’s said it to MANY people over the years.

[@LG123ABC]

His ability to be a complete tool is legendary.

[@floydclaptonblues2]

You ain't wrong

[@playthehighnote1122]

How did you know it was Roger?

[@boscopappas234]

@@playthehighnote1122 Because the “abd yet you did” line is something Roger Waters has said to many fans who have approached him and said “sorry to bother you” or “I don’t mean to interrupt you”. My brother was one of those people and I was standing next to him when he approached Roger.

[@markpaprocki8315]

I thought he was referring to Don Henley or Stephen Stills.

[@Lexwell_Lavers]

I know someone who worked in a studio and Richards came in one night to just hang out around midnight. They got high, talked, ate munchies until daybreak and Richards left. This was late 80s when The Stones were on the rocks and Richards was doing the X-Pensive Wino's thing. I met Maher at a book signing for a New Rules book about 15 years ago and it was in an upstairs room where the air conditioner went out (Barnes & Noble in Santa Monica), Maher was soaked with sweat and did a 15 minute monologue on the weeks events that was funny, after he humorously trashed Barnes & Noble. Maher then sat there and signed every book and made small talk with anyone who wanted to talk. Long line of people out of the store. Maher had two assistants with him, that's it. I was impressed that Maher didn't walk out like a prima donna, the room was so damn hot and humid at the height of summer but he sat there and did what he came to do. These days Bill has gotten a little to loopy for me but he still has his moments.

[@BrianBornt]

So 2 things. I opened for Metallica in '98, was specifically told not to talk/look at them if you happen to cross paths. A year later, passed Bill on the street as I was exiting a club he was going into. Extended my hand, said "love Politically Correct" and he just stared me down & walked by. These 2 are both a little full of crap 😅

[@brucelee4996]

Sounds like you are too.

[@thomaspuhringer8332]

I opened for The Beatles, Stones, Who, Zeppelin, The Doors, Hendrix, Neil Young, Dylan, Clapton, Springsteen, Bowie, Queen, U2, R.E.M., Nirvana, Pearl Jam... Good times! 👍🏻

[@larrydanadavid2435]

I remember when Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was touring around 1780 near Salzburg. I went into a little shoppe for a pretzel. I bump into Wolfie, say hi and he gave me free passes to his show. Couldn’t have been nicer.

[@herbertwest9626]

What was the name of your band? Or was it just a dream?

[@thatcanadian6698]

What did you open for Metallica, the bathroom door?

[@lazur1]

1964, it's the Beatles & the Stones, *only*. Mick's 20; he already requires heavy security, is well on his way to great wealth, he's idolized by millions. This has never let-up, from then to Lars' story, 41yrs later, (& another 18 since). We can only imagine how different that life is. Heck, Elvis died at 42. Mick gives it 100% at 80. This takes attitude.

[@Anne6621]

i say get over yourself Mick was just highly focused and was about to give every last ounce of energy to his audience

[@kevinfinnerty8414]

I like the Stones and Mick Jagger even more now

[@curanderoverde]

I dont know I dont like making eye contact or talking with people at my local Whole Foods..I couldn't imagine being Mick and being stopped all day long...

[@BrandonTK]

Lars is the most normal guy to be in a legendary band

[@billw5189]

I kept up with the Stones scuttlebutt for decades and I’ve rarely heard anything negative attributed to any of the guys, to the contrary, they seem generous with their time all things considered. In the middle of a tour is probably not the best time to chitchat

[@Piwork69]

I think it was the publicity person who thought of saying that. Bill should have caught that. We don't know if it came from Mick.

[@woodsman12345]

Sounded like an interesting story, but Lars had a hard time telling it b/c Bill kept talking over him.

[@Adrian_Martinez1261]

You've got a clash of personalities here. If there's anything else Lars is good at, it's talking over people and asserting himself in a conversation. Half this interview was them trying to get the upper hand over the other.

[@ExcitedAnacondaSnake-hg8ec]

Bill is an insufferable dork

[@RandyHughesrapidrandy]

I'd like to know if Jagger not wanting eye contact right before the show was part of getting in the zone, much like the preshow exercise. The no conversation with Metallica is weird. However, who knows what it takes to play shows for that many years. If anyone knows, it's probably the Rolling Stones.

[@blackcat4859]

They do longer meet and greets with fans who pay fir it. It seems weird that they make these meetings so short on their way to the stage. I've seen plenty of others where they hang out with them in the locker room but this probably because they already know them or just like them. Ed Sheeran shared some great footage with the Stones but he was a guest performer and sang a song with them.

[@mikezieminski2355]

I remember in 1965 Mick Jagger saying he would never want to be singing Satisfaction at age 40!

[@electricurinal]

Yeah well he was 22 then. :) I don't know a single old person who wouldn't like to continue to do what they did when they were 22.

[@drh3b]

He's not!

[@ericcook5224]

Yep. And then on 1972 Dick Cavett asked Mick if he could see himself still doing this at 50 years old and he said ,"Yeah". The audience laughed!

[@Maverikk68]

He didn't tour when he was 40 years old. Toured in '81 when he was 37-38, and then picked it back up in '89 when he was 45-46, so he fulfilled that wish. Lol

[@Qokdnzjuql7163]

fckn rockstar legends can’t believe they are still alive and healthy and still doing it.

[@tonyl6520]

anyone know the poster behind bill?

[@jamesdrake2378]

I have not known a person who had a toothpick hanging out of their mouth that was not a D-Bag, add unsanitary and gross.

[@brucelee4996]

I heard you use ALOT of toothpicks.

[@hotrox2112]

I did go thru a time of chewing cinnamon soaked picks while trying to kick cigarettes, sunflower seeds didn't make the cut indoors...

[@juancarlosibarra3245]

I think the problem was that the Stones influences are early rock and roll and blues music. There's a video in you tube where Keith says that Metallica and Balck Sabbath are a just a joke to him.

[@mattbrem3788]

It was actually in ‘07 when they played with the stones . And the support act was Everclear . I was there !

[@philipmartin8577]

How a show can go from everclear to the stones sounds strange

[@Dfturcott]

I did security for over a decade and I don’t know what the stories behind them are but there were 4 artists where I was told when they walk by backstage you have to turn around and face the wall. Prince, Mariah Carey, Barbara Streisand and Neil diamond. I only experienced one in person but I’m told they all did for various reasons

[@blackcat4859]

It is such a strange thing. Why do they want people to look away. I understand they want to chat or have to say hi to every one as they are working but the "not looking in the eye" or look away I just find very strange.

[@davidevans3175]

I was in the music business for 30 years. There is something called "the English thing" which is well understood in the industry. It's very odd. English musicians who you would think would be down to Earth great dudes do this Jeckyl and Hyde thing where they become arrogant royalty. Probably the worst I ever experienced was Paul Rodgers. Absolutely unbelievable.

[@brucelee4996]

Paul Rogers was super cool to me.

[@herbertwest9626]

@@brucelee4996 Of course. Because you're Bruce Lee back from the dead.

[@tedwojtasik8781]

Actually, it's a regional thing. The London based musicians like Jagger & Richards, Elton John, Townsend, etc. all had these types of pre-show attitude. You don't get that with bands from the midlands and the Liverpool area, they are absolute lovely blokes. Robert Plant, Freddie Mercury, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, and the Beatles were always super easy going and zero pretentiousness. Also, some musicians from the Newcastle area like Sting can be pretentious nobs as well.

[@Me97202]

I wish the Stones would just stop. Their best days are _decades_ behind them. Especially when it comes to hits and innovation. Same with McCartney.

[@1959LP4U]

Stones should continue if they want to, but McCartney should "just stop" as he has turned into an insufferable lunatic liberal idiot trying to fit in with the Hollyweird types!!!

[@sairamsriram]

Lars sounds like Bill Burr

[@ExtremeBeatlesArchive]

4:44 Probably Sting.

[@ApplesOranges123]

Bill is missing the point. The Rolling Stones could spend a lifetime saying hello to people. I'd rather they exert the energy on stage.

[@saintsataniko2116]

Whether this order was ever issued by Mick or not, I kind of get it. Yeah, you want these guys to be cool and come in and talk to the support bands whoever it is, but...when you think about it, guys like Mick, Keith, Paul McCartney, and Ringo haven't just been famous for half-a-century, but are among the most famous people in the world. So Mick just wants to get to the truck and do his workout without a lot of small talk and handshakes and pictures etc. Because there's been 50 years of that! I'm nobody, and when I go into Starbucks I too often don't want to make eye contact or bump into anybody I know just because I don't feel like all the useless small talk. Of course it was probably The Stones' handlers who doled out that rule and not Mick anyway, but regardless I kind of get it.

[@juanf5391]

I see where you're coming from, but the point is that they were asked to join them in SF and open for them. There is a professional "Hey guys, thanks for joining us," or "It's our tour and we want to make sure you guys are taken care of." A professional 10-15 minute chit-chat.

[@christhembones8244]

I’ve only heard similar stories about Prince (the musician) and some foreign King or Queen doing this.

[@dactah5177]

If you spend your life in the shadow of a band and performer that put you to shame, it’s not hard to understand that you’d like to crack them. I have followed the stones literally since they began - i’ve listened to, and read everything I can get my hands on. I have never heard a story like this once. If you talk to anyone who has performed with them, and that includes Kanye West, Tina Turner and other acts that were just beginning they all had nothing but great things to say. So, I think it must’ve been an over zealous assistant, and because I’ve heard this tool yammer on about this in another interview., they probably just sized him up as an asshole. Understandable.

[@unodos149]

To be fair, Lars comes across like a guy who if you make eye contact with him, it'll be impossible to shut him up for a solid 20 minutes lol

[@RidiPwn]

Actually I heard this quite a bit of times, especially on movie sets, extras or filler actors were not allowed to make eye contact with the *stars* If you so sensitive for eye contact, while we watching your movie, so ridiculous

[@Danny-br3tu]

I don't care. He's a Rolling Stone. He's a legend. There are levels to this shit. It's when someone acts like they're Rihanna or Beyonce when they're not.

[@catherinemothersill4703]

Met mick years ago !! Cheers 🍻

[@epicrampage3041]

I can kind of give him a pass. If he’s got a pre show regimen and stops to shoot the shit it could totally throw everything off schedule. I just can’t believe there wasn’t a opportunity to interact. If I opened for one of my heroes and that was the extent of the interaction I’d be devastated.

[@iainrichardson2113]

This stage of the chat was neither sincere nor innocent…an opportunistic, surreptitious dig at Jagger (however justified), insisting the story was strictly “about us”. Nah. As the Americans say: not very “classy”

[@iainrichardson2113]

…oh, and how Bill fell for it

[@calholli]

I know who he's talking about. It's Gene Simmons, from KISS "and yet you did" --

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

That’s what I thought

[@laurenadams6704]

He was having lunch w/his wife-kind of a dick move to interrupt

[@benji_lou]

When I joined Metallica they told me not to look at them.

[@mfnflyw16]

Stones longevity proves that “Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll” are good for you😊

[@brianjones9392]

It's not how they have played so long It's why have they played so long. It's because they made a deal with the devil.

[@robnamowicz8073]

Lots of entertainers, in my small experience, have a very set routine before going onstage. Interruptions break that concentration. Intense performers need what they need to do the show. Respect their success and make your own. You got their music, mostly for free, and want to complain they asked a favor backstage? Go count your lucky stars, eh? You ain't no rolling stone,,,

[@JamesButlerEMF]

My Mick is a dick story is more corporate. In 2003 we had SARS. Canada and Toronto were wiped off the tourism map. Big Concert in Toronto restoring Stones. Everybody came for expenses... ACDC a long list. The Stones got paid $5 million. Their most profitable gig ever!

[@RaindoggTV]

Very few individuals are as famous as the stones. I’m sure 50 years of people stopping you every two seconds adds up. I can’t get anything done if I have more than 2 meetings a day.

[@fuinrock8346]

Thats why you don't idolize anybody.

[@patricksullivan7140]

They do what they love. Till the day they die.

[@peacefanz]

lars did not have to mention that part of the story

[@herbertwest9626]

Why not? Was it blasphemy towards the Holy Stones?

[@peacefanz]

@@herbertwest9626 not at all. lars was saying it’s about his band, not the stones, but then he and bill make the tale about mick - positive vibes rule the negative

[@headlesssoldier]

at asshole as that “order “ seems to be…. i can understand Mick not wanting to be inundated with peoples life stories every hour of every day . i was in the biz for an album cycle. i would avoid all people before the show ! i just needed to get into my own rhythm etc. afterwards? drank, hung out, talked to everybody

[@radamesa.delacruz5222]

They calling you LARRY BILL 😎

[@werdru6258]

Get off of my cloud, don't hang around two's a crowd!

[@LochMorar]

What’s the whole deal with the matchstick in the mouth?

[@MieLandell]

I dont understand why they not could say something to Mick Jagger😮🎉❤it dozent matter if he get to the gym before performance???He can.talk and say Hello to Lars they are a big band to in the world😂😂Metallica❤❤❤❤❤

[@CaptainBlood2010]

🤣Do you really think the Stones without Bill & Charlie are the Stones?

[@jamesheath7601]

They basically play until they’re dead

[@MarcoPolux]

it is annoying how this Mr. Ulrich having stated his point, still doesn´t just shut up and leave Maher talk.

[@metrakos]

Bill Maher judging on manners and courtesy … no irony there

[@johnwright291]

I really don't think I needed three guesses to say Jagger is a Jerk.

[@givaanandia9715]

They not retired

[@brucelee4996]

*Their

[@JKentF]

@@brucelee4996 *They’re

[@oldmcdonald3376]

try talking to mahar off the cuff

[@CamRebires]

Such a Lars-thing to still find keeping a toothpick in your mouth cool

[@tommykawasaki9676]

The ultimate irony. I want to be a rock star, so people will look at me. Hey, don’t look at me ! Chase fame & then be bugged when you obtain it.

[@thewaitingape]

Just lay on the floor Richard, you'll feel better.

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

Metallica is classic rock these days.

[@Kingcomics2021]

Yes Bill, but now you know where the inspiration for the music came from, so....

[@jagger9031]

Dont look at them in the eye is a thing with alot of celebrities...i.e. Elton John .

[@threeg6966]

The Rolling Stones have been doing it for so long because,..........THEY JUST LOVE ❤️ MAKING MUSIC 🎶 🎵

[@jackwestgracey9165]

Wow. Lars seems like he doesn’t get it. Like, at all. This is such a bullshit sounding story to me.

[@ErmineskinCreelov]

Bob Dylan?

[@ronblack7870]

maybe mick needs all the time to work out and not chit chat. and maybe the promoters want the shows to proceed on time and not get slowed down by met and greet's

[@Romanovhundreds17]

Is nobody else going to mention the toothpick 😂😂😂...

[@arcticmonkey3]

Lars always has a toothpick. Always. ❤

[@sitijumpiati7890]

please dont die at 80

[@eddieobrien1411]

Two mortals talking about Gods

[@helgeolsen9727]

Bill Mahr? 😂😂

[@scoon2117]

Homie looks like Hannibal lecter

[@ToddCiehomski]

Don’t forget we’re talking about the same guys who didn’t pay Ron Wood full time money until the late 90s

[@ronschafer8194]

He was paid in full starting on the 89 American Tour at the insistence of Watts and Wyman.

[@therealsergiomello]

Man, that toothpick is so disgusting.

[@ExtremeBeatlesArchive]

Bill is having a hard time interrupting this guy.

[@aq803]

Who cares! Jagger was always about ego. He always wants to be centre of attention. I always thought that the Stones were at best a poor blues tribute band. They're doing the same act for 50 years . Now it's not really the Stones. The Rolling Stones were, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Only 2 of the people who played on the records are still in the band. Jagger wants to keep it going. It's not the money, yeah right.

[@dranderson6071]

Poor Charlie died exactly 2 weeks after getting his 2nd Jab. Must be a coincidence eh Bill?

[@ouisports]

I got the jab and died 2 weeks later. Stay in school.

[@dranderson6071]

@Chris Beal Troll elsewhere kid. Thank you

[@ouisports]

@@dranderson6071 If you only knew what the 3rd jab does to you. Oh boy lemme tell ya. I was coughing up microchips for a week.

[@jlobiafra]

I know he was only 80 years old, they never suddenly die 🙄

[@dranderson6071]

@Carlos M No, they don't. They were about to go on tour, had all his check ups prior to 2nd Jab. I'll bet you wear a mask still even though it makes no sense lol

[@estucamp92]

I don't believe this guy

[@lazur1]

I promise not to look at, or listen to Metal-yucka.

[@maitreyas.4902]

Whole thing is weak.

[@jimcagney6696]

Club Boredom. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

[@PurpleHazeVanNederlands]

Today at "Who Gives A Fuck Podcast" we discuss why we have no viewers due to our terrible guests

[@brucelee4996]

Are you referring to your podcast?

[@Stevejoohee]

Maher is a tool. Stones don’t dig Metallic’s music? That’s an obvious.

[@nickbarcheck1019]

You shouldn't go up to someone and bother them. It's rude.

[@Adrian_Martinez1261]

he didn't?

[@nickbarcheck1019]

Zero idea who this guy is.

[@frankjamesbonarrigo7162]

the drummer of Metallica. A band almost as famous as the Stones

[@1959LP4U]

I've heard that the Bill Maher guy, has a talk show but I could be wrong!