A Historic Wedding in Saint-Tropez
Mick Jagger, the iconic frontman of The Rolling Stones, exchanged vows with Blanca Pérez-Mora Macías on May 12, 1971, in a ceremony that took place at the Chapelle Sainte-Anne in Saint-Tropez. This momentous event marked a significant chapter in Jagger’s life and was attended by some of the most notable figures of the time.
The wedding occurred during a period of transition for The Rolling Stones, as they had relocated to the south of France to avoid high tax rates in the UK. This move was influenced by their financial advisors, who believed it would be beneficial for the band’s future. Saint-Tropez provided a picturesque backdrop for this union, with the chapel overlooking the Place du Maréchal-Leclerc serving as the venue.
Among the guests were Sir Paul and Linda McCartney, Ringo Starr, and royal photographer Patrick Lichfield. However, one of the most memorable images from the event was that of Keith Richards, Jagger’s bandmate, who appeared underdressed and visibly bemused as he watched the ceremony unfold.
According to a new biography titled The Rolling Stones: The Biography by author Bob Spitza, Richards was stunned when Jagger revealed the news of the wedding just seven days before the event. The revelation came during a rehearsal for songs that would later be included in their 1972 album, Exile on Main St.
Spitz notes that the first rehearsal on May 5 was a loose review of recent material. Midway through the session, Jagger casually mentioned his upcoming marriage to Bianca. This announcement came as a shock, particularly to Richards, who held a disdain for traditional institutions like marriage. Additionally, Jagger did not inform Richards that Bianca was four months pregnant.
The entire ceremony was organized at the last minute, with guests receiving only 48 hours’ notice. Many of them boarded the same flight from Gatwick Airport, including Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr along with their wives. Eric Clapton, members of the Small Faces, including future Stone Ronnie Wood, Pete Townshend, and Keith Moon from The Who, Peter Frampton, Stephen Stills, film director Roger Vadim, photographer Patrick Lichfield, designer Ossie Clark, and Mick’s parents were also present.
The music producer Jimmy Miller, who was on the flight, remarked on the amount of pot and cocaine circulating among the passengers, quipping, “I don’t think this plane needs any fuel to fly.”
Saint-Tropez quickly became overrun with stargazers, tabloid press, and paparazzi. After the civil ceremony, a Catholic service was held at the chapel. According to Spitz, the bride and groom were visibly stressed before the service. Bianca eventually left her new husband to party into the early hours at the reception while she retreated to their bedroom.
The celebration continued late into the night, fueled by champagne, cocaine, and performances by the famous guests. Jagger largely ignored Bianca, who left for her hotel room early. He performed several R&B staples and finally slipped away just before 5:00 am.
The couple embarked on a ten-day honeymoon to Corsica and Sardinia after the wedding. Any new music was put on hold for at least two weeks. Their only child, daughter Jade, was born in October 1971. The couple later divorced, with Bianca later stating that Jagger was “in some ways a misogynist” due to the availability of women around him.
New Album and Biographical Insights
The Rolling Stones are set to release their new album, Foreign Tongues, which features appearances from former Beatles bass player Sir Paul McCartney and The Cure frontman Robert Smith. This record follows 2023’s Hackney Diamonds, which also featured Sir Paul playing bass on the song Bite My Head Off. The album will also include contributions from Steve Winwood, former drummer Charlie Watts, and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith.
A new single titled In The Stars has been unveiled, along with the record’s opening track Rough And Twisted. The single will have a physical release on May 15. Foreign Tongues is scheduled for release on July 10 and includes the band’s current members—frontman Sir Mick Jagger and guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood—alongside core collaborators Darryl Jones, Matt Clifford, and Steve Jordan.
Additionally, The Rolling Stones: The Biography is set to be released on May 28, offering further insights into the legendary band’s history.
