Mick Jagger Nearly Died of a Heroin Overdose in 1976, According to New Rolling Stones Biography

In a recently published biography, revelations about Mick Jagger’s near-fatal heroin overdose in 1976 have surfaced, shedding light on a turbulent period in the rock icon’s life. The book, titled *The Rolling Stones: The Biography* by Bob Spitz, recounts an alarming incident involving Jagger during a post-tour event in New York City.

Marshall Chess, the former president of Rolling Stones Records, played a pivotal role in the startling narrative. According to Chess, he was forced to resuscitate Jagger after the singer collapsed in his apartment following a night of indulgence. This incident allegedly took place shortly after the Rolling Stones concluded their European tour in the spring of that year.

On that fateful night in February, Jagger contacted Chess, expressing boredom and a desire to visit. Chess described how Jagger arrived at his apartment already appearing restless and inebriated, having consumed alcohol and likely cocaine. Despite his unsteady state, Jagger insisted on continuing their evening together, prompting Chess to procure heroin from a dealer described as a “Buddhist.”

After sharing a gram of the drug, things took a dramatic turn as Jagger reportedly collapsed onto the floor within ten minutes. “His lips were turning blue. I didn’t know what else to do. I was freaked,” Chess recalled in the biography. In a state of panic, he attempted to revive Jagger through slaps to the face, fearing that he would witness the death of the legendary musician in his own home.

Ultimately, in desperation, Chess called for an ambulance and reached out to Ahmet Ertegun, head of Atlantic Records, who had hosted a party earlier that evening. Ertegun arrived shortly thereafter, accompanied by actress Faye Dunaway, who was also part of the earlier gathering. Chess continued to administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until paramedics arrived with oxygen equipment, which assisted in reviving Jagger.

Following the harrowing episode, Jagger was transferred to Lenox Hill Hospital, where Dunaway reportedly helped arrange a private room to spare him from unwanted media attention. This close call prompted Chess to reflect on his relationship with the band and substance use; he later pointed to the incident as a pivotal moment leading to his departure from the Rolling Stones.

Jagger’s history with drugs has been a long-standing issue, dating back to an incident in 1969 when authorities found heroin in his residence. Throughout the years, he consistently maintained his innocence regarding the claims, suggesting he was framed. This contrasted sharply with the well-documented battles faced by fellow band member Keith Richards, who ultimately overcame his own heroin addiction in 1978.

In a more contemporary context, former partner Jerry Hall disclosed in her memoir that when they met, Jagger was still using heroin but quit the habit out of love for her. Hall’s affirmation of Jagger’s willpower illustrated a significant shift in his life trajectory, as she recounted demanding that he cease drug use to maintain their relationship.

While the details about Jagger’s near-overdose in 1976 have moved some supporters to question the current practices of the music industry regarding drug use among its stars, it serves to remind fans of the precarious nature of celebrity life, especially during the hedonistic era of rock and roll. Today, as Jagger approaches 82, the legacy of such incidents underscores the lasting impact of lifestyle choices that have shaped the identities of rock legends.

As of now, representatives for Jagger have not issued any official comments regarding the revelations made in Spitz’s biography. Nevertheless, this retrospective look into one of the music industry’s most enduring figures highlights not only the perils associated with fame but also the resilience required to navigate a lifestyle fraught with challenges.

The lessons drawn from Jagger’s past provide fertile ground for discussions around addiction, recovery, and the support systems available to artists today, making it all the more crucial for the industry to foster healthier environments for those in the spotlight.