Hello Gazza,

My last message on IORR to you (related to the London Olympics) was wrongly "quoted" by me, so I linked onto your site. But for sure you will recognize the message.
I was present at the May 2002 press conference in NY Van Godtlandt Park and my guess is that you (or was it your dad?) were one of the first to be allowed to ask a question. My question came a little later.
The reason I think that the London Olympics could strongly be in the band's focus, is off course Mick's statement in October 2008. He cleverly keeps it "open" by saying "friends", because yes, health and age, etc. of the other Stones are a major thing. But as you may know, U2's business affairs are "done" by Promotone these days and it was already known that U2 had extensive touring  plans all the way into 2010, so obviously the Stones would avoid be on the road "at the same time".  I'm convinced that the 50th Anniversary in the "magic and Olympic" year 2012 (Stones started on 12-7-62 .... heading for 12-7-'12) is a very interesting target for the band.

The Olympics are very expensive, so getting major acts like the world  famous London based Rolling Stones (with "hot" London friends like David Bowie, Clapton, EJ, etc. who will be seen by billions of people and for sure would participate for free, is a challenge for the Olympic Committee they can't afford not to take serious. My guess is that they are already working on it today

That was very nice indeed of Riffhard! Time flies. I was also lucky to be at Juilliard School of Arts on May 10, 2005 (and I think he was there too), but there Mick didn't direct the question asking part.
My question, by the way, in 2002 was about what inspired them to go to China. Mick forwarded the question to Ronnie, while Keith joked: "the Chinese!!". Since I was in the photographers/camera section, I had to shout my question (it took too much time for a mike to arrive), but they heard it very well.
Interestingly, In November 2006 on Thanksgiving Day in Denver CO I spoke to a young woman, who also "acted"/spoke on behalf of Rocksoff. She got an autograph from Ronnie and Charlie and we briefly spoke to Charlie Watts while we were waiting next to his car in front of the hotel (which we didn't know at the time). It was very quiet in front of the Westin Hotel in Denver, so she could easily sprint toward Ronnie. Mick and Keith left via a back door
The concert that same evening was amazing! And so was the audience! I hope one day to find a recording of that show.