Mick Jagger credited an unlikely pop-punk vocalist couple with keeping the spirit of rock music alive.
In a new interview with Swedish radio station P4, the Rolling Stones singer – one of the greatest frontmen in music history – lamented the lack of rockers in recent years. However, two artists have caught his attention: Machine Gun Kelly and Yungblud.
“You need energy in rock music and there haven’t been many new rock singers. Now there are a few,” Jagger said (via The Independent). “You have Yungblud and Machine Gun Kelly. That kind of post-punk vibe makes me think there’s still some life in rock ‘n’ roll.”
As NME notes, Yungblud has previously looked to Jagger as an inspiration and role model for what will hopefully be a long career. “I don’t feel like running around for 10 minutes, having a hit, getting a friggin’ mansion, doing too many drugs and killing myself,” Yungblud said in 2019. “I want to do this until I look like Mick Jagger.” He’s still damn sexy!”
The Rolling Stones have long championed emerging acts over the decades, and in recent years have recruited both established bands and under-the-radar emerging artists as support acts: The 1975 (2013), Ed Sheeran, Kanye West (2006), Black Pumas and Maneskin are just a few of the dozens of artists the Rolling Stones have given a taste of the stadium stage.
The band will embark on their 60th anniversary tour of Europe this summer, a tour which Jagger says will not be their last. “I don’t plan it to be the last tour. I love touring,” he told P4.
“I don’t think I would do it if I didn’t enjoy it. I enjoy going on stage and doing my stuff. That’s what I do I want everyone to enjoy themselves and forget the problems in their life for a few hours and just relax and have a great afternoon and evening.”