The Rolling Stones Keep it Classic With New Video Release of 'Mess It Up'

In the grand tapestry of rock 'n' roll, few bands command as much respect and admiration as The Rolling Stones. Since their inception in 1962, they've etched their name into the annals of rock history. Now, with the release of their latest music video 'Mess it Up', a track on their newest album, 'Hackney Diamonds', The Stones continue to prove that age is just a number.

While the sands of time may have shifted since their early days, The Rolling Stones bring the same infectious energy that has defined their music for decades.

The opening notes of 'Mess it Up' carry a nostalgic motif, reminiscent of their iconic 1981 anthem, 'Start Me Up'. The video stars famous actor Nicholas Hoult, and begins with a heated argument with his girlfriend, after which a dramatic exit follows. Hoult rocks a yellow jacket, similar to the one the kid wears in the movie It.

He struts through various scenes – fields, snow, and beaches. Along the way, he crosses paths with a kid sporting the iconic  Rolling Stones tongue logo, who tags along for part of the journey.
Time flies, and we see Hoult age a bit with a bushier beard. Suddenly, he stops, finding himself alone on an empty beach. He makes a U-turn, bolts back home, but there's a twist – a child at the door, presumably his. Things take a dark turn as his ex-girlfriend's new partner throws a punch, knocking Hoult out cold. The video wraps up with a jaw-dropping scene – his ex, the child, and her new beau looming over his unconscious body.

Through it all, Mick Jagger’s craggily vocals give the whole thing a timeless feeling. The video, like the song, could exist in any of the last five decades—the stone’s nostalgic sound carries a story presented to the viewer as a tragedy and a farce as old as time. The stones manage to make being down on your luck cool.

Evelina Lungu

Image: 'Hackney Diamonds' Official Album Cover