Rolling Stones Guarantee Satisfaction at Super Bowl

ByABC News via logo
February 3, 2006, 7:56 AM

Feb. 3, 2006 — -- Through the years, the Super Bowl halftime show has become an event unto itself with performers continually trying to outshine the ones from the previous year. But after the controversy surrounding Janet Jackson's infamous wardrobe malfunction, what can fans expect from the Rolling Stones when they take the stage on Sunday?

"The way the NFL has been behaving -- and the network, you know -- they're very worried about what you're going to say or if you're going to start doing a diatribe about Bush's foreign policy or something," said Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. "I mean, they're really worried."

"I kind of look upon this gig, it's outside our usual routine," Keith Richards said. "We're taking the place of the old marching band really. I said let's do it, because I hear the band gets to meet the cheerleaders!"

The Stones are in the middle of a world tour to support their 29th studio album, which can be challenging for the average 60-something.

"I always work out," Jagger said. "I do a lot of dance, sort of messing around, routines and messing around in the dance studio."

"The tour kind of builds its own regiment really," Richards said. "Mick does a lot more physical work, but then he's got a lot more moving to do. It's enough to get up there for two hours a night with that guitar around your neck."

Jagger and Richards met in a sandbox when they were 5 years old, but the strains of rock 'n' roll have pushed them to the brink of breakup more than once. Richards has been quoted as saying the only thing he and Jagger disagree on is the music and what they do.

"I think it's [our relationship is] pretty harmonious, really," Jagger said. "I think if it wasn't harmonious, it wouldn't be much fun and everyone knows that."

Richards agreed.

"It's beyond truce," he said. "Actually for some years it's been great."

Jagger is keeping his famous lips locked as to what songs the band will play at halftime on Sunday, but whatever the British rockers choose, they plan to keep their audience in mind.