My wife Kate and I watch a Rolling Stones documentary of a recent world tour that includes Cuba. We are curious to see how these rock legends, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts, handle their interpersonal communication and communion amidst the stressors of a world tour, surrounded by fans and media, especially when a major glitch occurs.
As we watch, what delights us most, beyond their great music? The solid style of healthy interpersonal psychology embedded in how they live, work, and play together. To hold together a rock band of legendary world fame for fifty years is no easy matter. But they are doing that with finesse.
For example, the drummer, Charlie, comments: “I always play for Mick and Keith.”
Humble, wouldn’t you say? Altruistic caring.
Charlie’s love and desire to fulfill his friends’ lives,
a self-effacing servant for the greater good of the group project.
But how do they handle adversity? The goal blockages that occur in the complexities of a World Tour, especially a new venue: their scheduled Cuba Colosseum concert, an intricate endeavor that takes months of planning.
Particularly challenging, this scheduled appearance, since it is suddenly called off by a surprise announcement that President Obama is going to visit Cuba the very day of their concert.
How do Mick and the group handle this stunning setback?
They simply say to their Tour Manager: “Okay. Try setting us up for the next available date.”
Here is equanimity. No resentment or pomposity.
No doom and gloom depression.
And their whole organization shifts to preparing for the new date.
But soon after they sign a finalized contract for the new date, the Vatican suddenly announces that the Pope will visit Cuba to say Mass in the Colosseum on that very day! And the government cancels the Rolling Stones contract.
How do the Rolling Stones respond, now twice bumped into oblivion?
“Okay,” Mick says. “Let’s try again and see if the next date we set actually comes to pass.”
Mick and the group, even then, exhibit a hardiness and emotional residency
found only in very healthy personalities.
So they try again. And the day comes. And the Cuban people go crazy in love for this fantastic band who perform with love and passion.
When Keith Richards takes a stroll down the runway to highlight his unique guitar gifts, the crowd chants: "Richards! Richards!" Keith's guitar almost slips out of his hands, and he almost faints with emotion. But Ronnie Woods darts down the runway, grabs his friend's shoulders to pull him back up, smiling radiantly. Keith regains his composure, whereupon he offers a humble bow to the crowd and returns centerstage to finish the concert.
Surely humble love and lifelong faithful companionship, in action.
A glorious and unforgettable concert!
By the way, I praise God for Mick's recent recovery from heart surgery and thank The Rolling Stones for one of the most inspiring songs I have ever heard:
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