Mick Jabber!
Just 12 weeks after heart scare, Stones singer hits boxing ring to get fighting fit for resumed tour
HE ONCE sang Time Is On My Side, and it certainly seemed so when Mick Jagger made a knockout return to the stage after heart surgery – thanks to a gruelling training schedule in the boxing ring.
And there was no ring-rustiness as the 75-year-old and his Rolling Stones bandmates kicked off their delayed American tour in Chicago in front of 80,000 ecstatic fans.
The tour was postponed in April when it was discovered the singer needed a new heart valve.
The rock star boosted his fitness levels as he prepared for his return by sparring at the Chicago branch of the posh Soho House members’ club, where the band has been staying.
A source told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Mick loves to try all types of sports.
‘He has done kick boxing in the past but this time he got the chance to do some actual boxing, so he did it and loved it.
‘He has been seriously looking after himself. It’s now a case of a cup of tea and bed by 10pm for him – and indeed the other members of the band.’
Wearing a monochrome leather jacket and black skinny jeans, Sir Mick had Friday night’s sell-out crowd at Chicago’s Soldier Field in raptures.
‘The first night is always slightly wobbly,’ he joked as the band took to the stage before kicking off the show with a rendition of Street Fighting Man.
They will now play venues across the US and Canada before the final concert in Florida on August 31.
Clearly thrilled to be back on stage, he took to Instagram after the concert and told his 1.7 million followers: ‘Thank you for a great opening show Chicago.’