Mick Jagger invites old school's head and pupils to Rolling Stones gig
Dartford's musical legend
Sir Mick Jagger invited his old school's headmaster and pupils to a
Stones gig
by Thom Morris
tmorris@thekmgroup.co.uk
Dartford legend Sir Mick Jagger invited his old school’s
headmaster and pupils to a Stones’ gig, it has emerged.
Dartford Grammar School for Boys head teacher John Oakes joined
Year 11 students Adam Lorkin, Henry Metcalfe and Jason Taing to
watch The Rolling Stones’ 50th Anniversary gig at the O2 Arena.
Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood were
all on stage in their first gig together since 2007.
Jason said: “We were invited not only to watch The Rolling
Stones perform live from the pit right at the front of the arena by
the stage, but also to explore backstage and stand on the stage
where the band would perform.
“I was extremely fortunate to be able to see them perform live
and discover what it was like behind the scenes. The show was just
so spectacular. It was an amazing experience, and we all enjoyed
it.”
Now 69 years old, Sir Mick proved he still had it performing
hits including Get Off of My Cloud, Paint it Black, Wild Horses and
Jumpin’ Jack Flash back in November.
Mick Jagger during a
visit to the school in 2010
During the gig he quipped to his hoard of fans: “It’s taken us
50 years to get from Dartford to Greenwich’.
Mr Oakes said: “I took the phone call in the middle of a
parent’s meeting in my office – it immediately caused a complete
distraction away from the focus of the meeting.
“It was a complete surprise and an enormous privilege to be
asked by Sir Mick to bring three students to the O2 on the final
night of the Golden Anniversary tour.
“Our guide said we must know somebody very important to be
backstage just as The Rolling Stones were doing their final sound
check.
“Rubbing shoulders with other legendary rock stars was quite
surreal.
The Rolling Stones in
their early years
“Jason, Henry and Adam in their uniforms also assumed celebrity
status, and many Rolling Stones fans were very familiar with the
link between Sir Mick and the school.
“The boys were even interviewed and filmed for television.”
Jagger attended Dartford Grammar on West Hill while Richards was
at Dartford Technical School in Wilmington.
Noticing they both carried guitar cases, they rekindled their
relationship, having both been pupils of Dartford’s Wentworth
Primary School in 1951, at Dartford railway station a decade
later.
Surprises for the army of fans that went to see them at the 02
included original bass player Bill Wyman, 76, who left the band 20
years ago, and guitarist Mick Taylor, 63, who last played with the
band in 1974.
There were also special appearances by Mary J Blige who joined
the Stones for Gimme Shelter, Jeff Beck who performed on I’m Going
Down while Bill Wyman played on Honky Tonk Woman and Mick Taylor
played on Midnight Rambler.
04/01/13
- Click here for more news from across the county...