A resurfaced 1987 Rolling Stone interview has Bob Dylan gently criticising Mick Jagger's energetic on-stage style, suggesting the Rolling Stones frontman could learn something from the stillness of Ray Charles. Dylan argued that Jagger's constant movement was unnecessary to deliver a powerful performance, holding up Charles's seated, piano-based approach as proof that "hipper" showmanship doesn't require jumping around. The comments offer a glimpse into the friendly rivalry and contrasting philosophies of two of rock's defining frontmen.

Dylan made clear his issue wasn't Jagger's age but his stagecraft itself, saying it was "hipper and cooler" to sit at a piano like Charles and still "push rhythm and soul across" without needing to move. However, the comparison has an obvious flaw: Charles's stillness was partly dictated by being tied to his piano, whereas Jagger, unencumbered by an instrument, has always used movement—itself inspired by James Brown—as a key part of what set the Rolling Stones apart in the crowded 1960s rock scene.