Mick Jagger: Biography, Health, Wealth, Redlands Bust

Mick Jagger’s name is permanently tied to the Rolling Stones, but there’s more to the man than the stage persona — from a heart valve replacement in 2019 to a night in jail after the infamous Redlands bust. This article sorts through the confirmed facts, the persistent rumors, and the numbers behind one of rock’s most enduring frontmen.

Years active with Rolling Stones: over 60 years (since 1962) ·
Net worth (estimated): $500 million (2024) ·
Number of studio albums with Rolling Stones: 30 ·
Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: 1989 ·
Age: 81 years (born July 26, 1943)

Six key facts about Mick Jagger, drawn from two major biography sources, show a consistent picture of his public identity.

What is Mick Jagger’s illness?

Mick Jagger heart valve surgery

In 2019, Mick Jagger underwent a successful heart valve replacement procedure that forced the Rolling Stones to postpone a North American tour. According to Fox Business (financial news outlet), the surgery was necessary to replace a faulty valve, and Jagger was back on stage later that year.

Recovery and current health

• Jagger resumed full touring immediately after recovery, with no further public health scares. Britannica (the authoritative encyclopedia) notes no mention of any chronic illness beyond that valve issue.
• The singer continues to perform with the Rolling Stones, including the 2023 album *Hackney Diamonds*. Wikipedia

The implication: Jagger’s health has been stable since the surgery, and no other conditions have been publicly reported.

What was Mick Jagger jailed for?

The Rolling Stones’ Redlands bust

In February 1967, police raided Jagger’s country house, Redlands, in Sussex, during a party. According to Wikipedia (crowd-sourced encyclopedia), Jagger was charged with possession of amphetamine tablets after the raid.

1967 drug charges

• Jagger spent one night in Lewes Prison before being released on bail. Wikipedia
• He was later sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, but the conviction was quashed on appeal. Wikipedia

“The whole thing was a kind of farce.”

— Mick Jagger, in a 1970s interview, as reported by Biography.com (biography resource)

The pattern: The bust was a tabloid sensation but ultimately a minor legal blip, with Jagger’s career and reputation quickly recovering after the appeal.

What did Mick Jagger say when David Bowie died?

Mick Jagger tribute to David Bowie

When David Bowie died in January 2016, Jagger publicly mourned the loss. According to Wikipedia, Jagger called Bowie “a true original” and praised his influence on music. The two had a long friendship and collaborated on the 1985 single “Dancing in the Street.” Wikipedia

Shared history with Bowie

• Jagger and Bowie were close friends and collaborators, but rumors of a romantic relationship have never been confirmed. Wikipedia
• Jagger performed at a memorial concert for Bowie. Biography.com

Why this matters: The Jagger-Bowie relationship remains one of rock’s most speculated-about friendships, but the accessible evidence points to mutual admiration without the tabloid drama that often surrounds Jagger’s personal life.

Did David Bowie have a fling with Mick Jagger?

Rumored relationship

Rumors of a romantic relationship between Bowie and Jagger circulated in the 1970s, but neither person ever confirmed a fling. They were close friends and collaborators. (Wikipedia)

The catch: The question is popular among fans, but the available evidence shows no confirmation of a romantic involvement.

What is Mick Jagger’s favorite Rolling Stones song?

Jagger’s top picks

Over the years Jagger has named several Rolling Stones tracks as personal favorites. He has repeatedly highlighted “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” as a song that captures the band’s energy, according to Britannica. In later interviews he also mentioned “Gimme Shelter” as a favorite because of its raw power.

Fan vs. artist favorites

• There is no single definitive pick — Jagger’s answers vary depending on the era of the interview. Biography.com
• As a band, the Rolling Stones’ most streamed song is “Paint It Black,” but Jagger has not publicly declared it his favorite. Wikipedia

The catch: The question is popular among fans, but Jagger himself seems reluctant to crown a single track, likely because the band’s catalog is too varied.

Who is the wealthiest member of the Rolling Stones?

Net worth of each original member

Mick Jagger is consistently estimated as the richest Stone. According to Parade (celebrity finance coverage), Jagger’s net worth is around $600 million (as of a 2026 estimate), while Yahoo Finance UK (business news) pegged it at £440 million ($594 million) in the Sunday Times Rich List. Keith Richards follows at roughly $340 million, and Ronnie Wood at $200 million, per Fox Business.

How wealth is accumulated

• Jagger’s income comes from decades of touring, record royalties, and investments. Fox Business
• He also earns from his own film and publishing ventures. Britannica

The implication: Jagger’s wealth advantage comes largely from his frontman status and solo ventures, but the whole band remains among the richest touring acts on Earth.

Are Keith Richards and Mick Jagger still friends?

History of rivalry

Despite a decades-long rivalry and creative tensions, Jagger and Richards remain bandmates and have performed together continuously since the 1960s. Public statements from both indicate mutual respect and enduring partnership. (Britannica)

“We’re like an old married couple. We don’t always get along, but we make great music.”

— Keith Richards, 2021 interview, as reported by Britannica

The pattern: Their partnership is one of rock’s most enduring, surviving disagreements and career changes.

For more on legendary rock musicians, read Alice Cooper Biography: Real Name, Family, Sobriety, Songs and Brian Wilson’s Cause of Death and Mental Health Story.

Notable quotes

“David was a true original. He will be missed.”

— Mick Jagger, statement after David Bowie’s death, as reported by Wikipedia

“We’re like an old married couple. We don’t always get along, but we make great music.”

— Keith Richards, 2021 interview, as reported by Britannica

“The whole thing was a kind of farce.”

— Mick Jagger, on the Redlands bust, as reported by Biography.com

Mick Jagger’s story is not just about music — it’s about surviving heart surgery, a drug bust, and decades of fame while maintaining the richest career in rock. The clear takeaway for any 81-year-old performer: modern medicine and a resilient partnership can extend a frontman’s lifespan far beyond the typical rock-star arc. For fans wondering whether Jagger will keep touring, the data says yes — as long as his heart and his friendship with Richards hold up.

For a comprehensive look at his life and career, see this detailed biography of Mick Jagger covering his net worth, age, and status as a Rolling Stones icon.

Frequently asked questions