back in 2002 in Fortune magazine. Indeed. Their most recent merchandising innovations
include a range of ‘as worn by’ apparel, replicating garments that individual band mem-
bers sported back in the ’70s.”
Jagger and the Stones provide pointed lessons for the Twenty-First century artist. Not
the least of these is to make great music, have loads of fun, but don’t be ignorant or
worse, stupid, when it comes to making, saving and investing money. If you’ve taken my
advice, you’ve put together a team of highly reliable, professional and trustworthy adv-
iors. Use them. Use them often. They can mean the difference between a comfortable ca-
reer and retirement or one that’s wrought with worry, uncertainty and poverty.
There are those who will say Jagger and the Stones sold out along the way. Let them.
They’re entitled to their opinion. It seems Mick doesn’t think so, nor does he appear to
care if people think so. As for me, after almost fifty-seven years on this planet, I’ve
learned that having some money in your pocket is loads better than being broke. Beyond
that, people with talent and the smarts to leverage it are entitled to be compensated for
their efforts.
Finding Your Position In Your Fans’ Heads
No matter what genre your music is, these days, artists, bands and professional musicians
must find their unique position in an overwhelming musical marketplace of songs and po-
tential fans. It’s important to be creative and maximize your talents. But, it’s also para-
mount to treat your act as the business it is in order to be successful. Maximize each and
every opportunity to sell and license your music and merchandise. Most of all gain a thor-