Stones Roll Into Politics, Sports

The Rolling Stones' upcoming album contains a song seemingly critical of President Bush, but Mick Jagger denies it's directed at him, according to the syndicated TV show "Extra."

"It is not really aimed at anyone," Jagger said on the entertainment-news show's Wednesday edition. "It's not aimed, personally aimed, at President Bush. It wouldn't be called 'Sweet Neo Con' if it was."

The song is from the new album, "A Bigger Bang," set for release Sept. 6. There is no mention of Bush or Iraq. But it does refer to military contractor Halliburton, which was formerly run by Vice President Cheney and has been awarded key Iraq contracts, and the rising price of gasoline.

"How come you're so wrong? My sweet neo-con, where's the money gone, in the Pentagon," goes one refrain.

The song also includes the line: "It's liberty for all, democracy's our style, unless you are against us, then it's prison without trial."

"It is certainly very critical of certain policies of the administration, but so what! Lots of people are critical," Jagger told "Extra."

A representative for the Stones said the group had no further comment about the song.

The Rolling Stones intend to kick off a U.S. tour in Boston Aug. 21.

Just to make sure it's the success the band has in mind, the Stones have inked a deal with ABC and the NFL for a season-long marketing tie-in with "Monday Night Football."

Footage from the Stones' concert tour performance in Detroit will be included in "NFL Opening Kickoff 2005," a one-hour pregame special Sept. 8 before the season opener between the champion New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders.

The Stones' tour opens at Boston's Fenway Park, and their new album, "A Bigger Bang," is scheduled for release Sept. 6.

Music and video footage of the Stones will be featured throughout the 2005 season in "Monday Night Football" promotional campaigns and in game highlights packages.