Mick Jagger pulls out of UK Davos event

LONDON - Agence France-Presse

Mick Jagger (R) and his partner Loren Scott arrive at London's Odeon cinema in Leicester Square for the UK premiere of the film 'Shine a Light' on April 2, 2008. 'Shine a Light,' directed by Martin Scorsese, is about a Rolling Stones concert. AFP PHOTO/SHAUN CURRY

Veteran rocker Mick Jagger said Tuesday he has pulled out of an event hosted by British Prime Minister David Cameron at the Davos forum because he was being used as a "political football".
 
The Rolling Stones frontman, whose hits include "Sympathy for the Devil", was due to strut his stuff at a so-called tea party being held to promote Britain at the gathering of the world's economic elite in the Swiss resort.
 
But Jagger -- known as "Sir Mick" in Britain after receiving a knighthood from Prince Charles in 2003 -- said he had now left Davos because he did not want to be affiliated with any political party.
 
"During my career I have always eschewed party politics and came to Davos as a guest, as I thought it would be stimulating. I have always been interested in economics and world events," the 68-year-old said in a statement.
 
"I now find myself being used as a political football and there has been a lot of comment about my political allegiances which are inaccurate.
 
"I think it's best I decline the invitation to the key event and curtail my visit." Conservative leader Cameron -- who has previously said he is a fan of gloomy British bands The Smiths and Radiohead -- is pushing through harsh austerity measures in Britain aimed at curbing the country's record deficit.
 
A source in Cameron's Downing Street office denied that Jagger's involvement had been politicisd.
 "At no point was there ever any suggestion that Sir Mick was a Conservative," the source said.