Mick Jagger has suggested that concertgoers are looking for entertainment, not a political sermon, as debate continues over Bruce Springsteen’s onstage remarks criticizing President Trump.
The Rolling Stones singer addressed the issue during an appearance Saturday on The New York Times’ podcast, after host David Marchese brought up Springsteen’s repeated criticism of President Trump during his current tour.
Marchese noted that Springsteen “clearly sees his job as engaging in a meaningful back and forth” with his audience, then asked Jagger, “What does your relationship to the audience mean to you? What do they represent, all those people out there?”
Jagger replied that, for him, the essential purpose of performing live is to make sure the people who bought tickets enjoy themselves as much as possible.
“For two hours or whatever it is,” he said, the goal is to help fans set aside “all their problems and the problems of the world and their mortgages,” and simply give them the best experience he can.
Jagger, 82, emphasized that concerts should function as a break from the anxieties and burdens of daily life.
He compared the experience to attending a sporting event, where the noise and excitement push everything else into the background. “You’re just watching who’s going to win,” he said. “You’re not worrying about everything else.”
“You don’t want to lecture them,” Jagger added.
The “Paint It Black” rocker stressed that no two audiences are the same and performers should adjust to the crowd instead of expecting the same reaction everywhere they play.
“Your job is to make them have the best time they possibly can,” Jagger said.
The comments come after Springsteen has repeatedly blasted Trump during his concerts this year, as part of the Boss’ “Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour.”
Springsteen labeled Trump’s administration “reckless” and accused the president of being “treasonous.”
The New Jersey native also released a song referring to “King Trump” and his “federal thugs” after the deaths of anti-ICE protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Trump has fired back at Springsteen, calling him a “dried up prune” in a Truth Social post and urging his supporters to boycott the singer’s tour.
Jagger explained he’s not opposed to politics making their way into his music — he just prefers a lighter touch.
“I’ve got into this habit of doing songs that are about personal relationships and then I throw a verse about politics in there,” he said.
“Nobody wants to hear a whole song about politics,” Jagger added.
Despite his comments, the Rolling Stones singer did take a swipe at Republican Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry while performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in May 2024.
“We’re a welcoming crowd, aren’t we?” Jagger told the audience. “I hope Mr. Landry is enjoying the show. He’s real inclusive you know. He’s trying to take us back to the Stone Age.”
Landry fired back on X: “You can’t always get what you want. The only person who might remember the Stone Age is Mick Jagger. Love you buddy, you’re always welcome in Louisiana! #LoveMyCountryMusic.”
