The “(I Can't Go) Satisfaction” singer, who is set to release a new album with the band in October, said the Rolling Stones currently have no plans to sell their post-1971 catalog, which includes Black and Blue and Tattoo You, but they have some ideas about what to do next.
In a new interview, the 80-year-old rock legend said he would give his heirs about half a billion dollars from the sale, but added that “kids don't need 500 million dollars to live well. Come on.”
So “maybe” the money could go to charity, he said. “Maybe you can do some good in the world...” Jagger added.
Meanwhile, he and band members Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood add another album to their discography with Hackney Diamonds, the band's first album of original music in 18 years.
Jagger told the WSJ that the album features a number of guests, including Paul McCartney on bass, Elton John and Stevie Wonder on piano, and Lady Gaga, who contributed vocals to “Sweet Sound of Heaven” during a session with the band in the studio.
Jagger explained that he was putting deadline pressure on the band to get the album done: “What I want to do is write some songs, get in the studio and finish the album by Valentine's Day. That was just a day I pulled out of the hat - but everyone can remember that. And then we'll tour like we used to.”
The band announced the release date of October 20th and the title of their first single “Angry”.
“We wouldn't have made this album if we didn't really like it,” Jagger said at the event. “We have to say we're quite pleased with it. We're not big heads, but we hope you like it.”
In an emotional moment, the trio also reflected on what it was like to record without their longtime drummer Charlie Watts, who died in August 2021 at the age of 80.
“Everything is different since Charlie left, he's number four,” Richards said. “He's missing, he's up there. Of course he's incredibly missed.”