The College Fix

I saw a news headline this morning that made me do a double-take. Last night, the Rolling Stones–THE Rolling Stones— invited country girlie pop superstar Taylor Swift on stage to sing with them during their Chicago tour stop.

What could this mean other than the end of the end for Rock’s original rebel band?

Nothing against Taylor Swift, who can’t be blamed for taking up such an offer. Good for her. But the Stones–this is really a sign that it’s time for retirement. The last bit of edginess has been dulled out.

Admittedly, it must have been an enjoyable experience for Mick and Keith to share the stage with the young and gorgeous Swift. But what could be more odd for the boys who saw the world and wanted to “paint it black” to go preening about on stage with the sunniest and brightest hero of pre-teen girls the world over? What could be a more unmistakable signal that they don’t mean any of the words they’re singing, or any of the notes they’re playing?

It’s starting to make sense now that the Stones had to slash ticket prices earlier this year in order to fill up the stadiums on their current tour. It’s starting to makes sense that earlier this year Chris Robinson, frontman of The Black Crowes, blasted Jagger for his lack of “sincerity” on stage, calling today’s Stones concert goers “Rock ‘n Roll tourists.”

Enough with the back-slapping nostalgia tours, I guess, was Robinson’s point. Better to let your legacy live on untarnished than to wear it out.

We’ve all heard the old adage: It’s better to go out on top. Do you agree?

(Today’s Hardwire post is excerpted from a longer article at Ricochet.com)

Nathan Harden is editor of The College Fix and author of SEX & GOD AT YALE: Porn, Political Correctness, and a Good Education Gone Bad.

Follow Nathan on Facebook /  Twitter:@NathanHarden