Sir Mick Jagger visits his old school in Dartford


Sir Mick met some of the children benefiting from Red Rooster

Sir Mick Jagger has been reliving his youth at his old school, Dartford Grammar School for Boys.
The Rolling Stone frontman opened an extension to its arts centre, the Mick Jagger Centre, ten years on from when he first launched the centre.
He also returned to see how the centre is working to foster new musical talent.
Sir Mick funds a project which delivers music tuition to over 150 local children.

The project, called Red Rooster, provides 150 young children music tuition at the centre as well as their own instruments. Red Rooster also delivers music classes in seven local primary schools.
The Mick Jagger Centre is equipped with recording and video studios as rehearsal rooms and gallery spaces.
Before officially opening the new extension to the Mick Jagger Centre, Mick said, "I've been given a very warm welcome, I was taken to the headmaster's office. It's always difficult to go into that room, without feeling a pang of some sort of guilt!"
During Mick's visit, Dartford Grammar and Red Rooster pupils gave a short performance of a variety of musical talents. Afterwards, Mick chatted to pupils, parents and staff.
Returning to Dartford, brings back "some incredible memories" to Mick.


The Rolling Stones started in the early 60s as a rhythm and blues cover band

Although, he no longer spends much time there it seems maintaining a connection with his hometown is important to Mick.
He said: "It's part of your consciousness, you're brought up somewhere for this very formative part of your life. I didn't move around I was just here. So, it helps to create you in a lot of ways."
While waiting to meet Mick, John Summerfield, red Rooster's double bassist specialist, said: "I think it's very important that the kids realise what an icon he is to Britain."
Michael Philip (Mick) Jagger was born and raised in Dartford. Both of his parents were teachers and he has a younger brother called Chris.
Mick attended Dartford Grammar School for Boys before going on to study business at the London School of Economics.
The Rolling Stones started in the early 1960s as a rhythm and blues cover band with Mick as the frontman.

Audio link here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/kent/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_88...

Mick certainly seems to very nostalgic these days.
Good on ya for supporting music education!

LJ.

Dartford Messenger is looking for some of Mick's old schoolmates.

Thursday, July 15 2010

Hunt is on to find young sportsmen pictured with Mick Jagger at Dartford Grammar School

He is known for his brilliant ability on stage, but Sir Mick Jagger was once an accomplished sportsman.

With his dad Joe a PE teacher, the Rolling Stones frontman excelled in games at Dartford Grammar School.

Fresh-faced aged 13 in July 1956, he is pictured above in Vaughn house junior cricket XI.

And by aged 17 in 1960, the rocker is captured in the shot below as captain of the school’s basketball team.

Do you recognise yourself in either picture or remember playing with Jagger (pictured top right in both photographs)? Phone the newsroom on 01474 564 327 or e-mail [email protected]



Think the Dartford Messenger is a bit micksed up.
Jagger is lower right in the top photo...


Here's a photo from their article about yesterday's visit:

Aww MICK was so cute as a kid and I am so proud of MICK for giving back to his childhood community. It's very sweet and thoughtful. I love this story, those lucky kids are being helped and inspired. It's wonderful.

Here's young Mick again: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-IFg_BHeSA