Jagger gets rocks off at Indian music festival

Posted 11 3 2007 9:39AM

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Mick Jagger was a surprise visitorto the inaugural Rajasthan International Folk Festival, heldOctober 25-29 in the Indian city of Jodhpur.

"I wouldn't say I'm an expert, but I'm definitely anenthusiast for Indian music," he said after the opening nightof the event, held within the historic 500-year-old MehrangarhFort.

"I've listened to Bengali, Gujarati and Rajasthani folkmusic, and a festival like this gives a great platform to folkartists in a magnificent venue."

During his four-day stay, Jagger -- who said he was onvacation -- attended festival performances by severalinternationally acclaimed Indian recording artists, includingsitar maestro K.M. Bhatt and virtuoso flautist HariprasadChaurasia. He also turned up to see the locally popularrock-fusion band Indian Ocean, which toured the United Statesin 2006.

And, although the Rolling Stones completed a marathontwo-year world tour in August, Jagger told the Times of Indiathat the band is hoping to announce dates in India andelsewhere in Asia next year.

Reuters/Billboard