It was 2013, Chicago. The United Center was vibrating with that specific, heavy low-end you only get at a Rolling Stones show. Most people expected the usual—Mick strutting, Keith’s jagged riffs, maybe a classic blues cover. But then, a 23-year-old girl in a sparkly dress walked out.
Mick Jagger and Taylor Swift together on stage? It felt like a glitch in the matrix.
They sang "As Tears Go By." It’s a delicate song, one Mick wrote with Keith Richards when they were basically kids. Seeing the elder statesman of rock ‘n’ roll twirling the biggest pop star on the planet was... weirdly wholesome. But it wasn't just a one-off PR stunt. If you look closely at their history, there's a genuine mutual respect there that defies the "pop vs. rock" war people love to fight on the internet.
The Nashville "Satisfaction" Moment
Fast forward to 2015. Taylor is at the height of her 1989 era. She’s bringing out "special guests" like they’re trading cards. Most were her friends—models, actors, the "squad." But in Nashville, she pulled the ultimate card.
Mick Jagger.
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Honestly, the video of that performance is better than the 2013 duet. Taylor was on her own turf this time. She wasn't the "guest" anymore; she was the host. They did "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," and Mick, who was 72 at the time, looked like he had more energy than the entire front row of tweens combined.
There’s a famous clip from that night. Not of the stars, but of a 72-year-old grandmother in the audience. She literally loses her mind when Mick appears. She missed a Stones show earlier that year because of health issues, and seeing her hero on stage with her grandkids' favorite singer? That’s the kind of crossover magic people forget actually happens in real life.
What Mick Really Thinks of Taylor
People always want to know: does a guy like Mick Jagger actually like modern pop?
Basically, yeah. In recent years, Mick has been surprisingly vocal about Taylor’s business savvy. He told Variety that she’s "created an industry" of her own. He called her "absolutely incredible."
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He’s not just talking about the songs. He’s talking about the Eras Tour—the logistics, the stamina, the way she owns her masters. Mick is a notorious businessman; he knows a powerhouse when he sees one. He even praised her efforts to reclaim her music. For a guy who spent decades navigating the shark-infested waters of the 1960s music industry, that’s high praise.
The "Rockism" Problem
Of course, not everyone is a fan. If you lurk on old-school rock forums or Reddit, you’ll see the purists complaining. They say she’s "out of her depth" with a real band. They claim Mick is "desperate" to stay relevant.
That’s kinda nonsense. Mick Jagger doesn't need Taylor Swift to be relevant. He’s a Rolling Stone. And Taylor doesn't need Mick to sell out stadiums. They do it because they both love the spectacle. Mick has always loved great female vocalists—think back to his work with Tina Turner or Lady Gaga. Taylor is just the modern iteration of that lineage.
Are They Working Together in 2026?
Lately, the rumor mill has been spinning again. With The Rolling Stones constantly teasing new material and Taylor basically living in recording studios, fans are desperate for a studio collaboration.
So far, nothing is confirmed. But think about it. Mick is 82 now. He’s still partying with fire breathers (literally, he did that for New Year’s 2026) and showing no signs of stopping. Taylor is currently at the peak of her cultural powers. A joint track on a "final" Stones album or a vault track for a future Taylor release? It makes too much sense to ignore.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that their relationship is just for the cameras.
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In reality, they've been "industry friends" for over a decade. Taylor has mentioned how incredibly kind Mick has been to her over the years. It’s a mentor-mentee vibe, but with more leather and glitter.
- The Age Gap: 47 years. It doesn't matter. Music is the bridge.
- The Genre Gap: Rock vs. Pop is a fake boundary. Both artists are rooted in blues and storytelling.
- The Business: Both are masters of the "Event" concert.
How to Spot a Real Collaboration
If you’re looking for signs of a real Mick Jagger and Taylor Swift project, watch the credits. Mick usually gives guests a lot of freedom, and Taylor is a control freak in the best way. If a song drops, look for songwriting credits. That’s where the real story will be told.
Keep an eye on the upcoming Stones tour dates. If Taylor is in the same city, there’s a 90% chance of a "surprise" appearance. It’s their signature move.
Next Steps:
If you want to understand the musical DNA they share, go back and listen to the Stones' "As Tears Go By" and then Taylor's "Long Live." The production is different, but the core—that specific brand of nostalgic storytelling—is identical. You should also check out the fan-shot footage of their 2015 Nashville performance; the energy is much more authentic than the official "1989" tour film edits.