Fifty years after the iconic meeting between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards at Dartford Station, the Rolling Stones frontman made a surprise visit to his old school, Dartford Grammar School, and the Mick Jagger Centre. The visit, which occurred recently, was to show his son around the school and the centre, according to Nicola Bowden, manager of the Mick Jagger Centre. Jagger also attended the centre's 10th anniversary last year.
The meeting at Dartford Station on 17 October 1961 is considered a pivotal moment in rock history. Jagger, then 18, and Richards, 17, recognised each other from primary school and bonded over blues records Jagger was carrying. Their conversation on the train led to Richards joining Jagger's band, Little Boy Blue and the Blue Boys, which eventually evolved into The Rolling Stones.
Jagger's connection to Dartford remains strong. He funds music bursaries through the Red Rooster project, enabling around 400 primary school students to learn instruments. Bowden noted, 'Hopefully it will be the next Mick Jagger who he has helped on their way.'
Local historian Mike Still, assistant manager of Dartford Museum, has researched the famous encounter and notes that fans frequently visit Dartford to trace the Stones' roots. Sculptor Anthony Hawken is raising funds for a statue of the pair at Dartford Station, inspired by the Beatles statues in Liverpool.
