Start me up Stones

Music

16:30 14 October 2005

The Rolling Stones reportedly keep a special heart machine backstage for medical emergencies.

Organisers of their current tour have allegedly brought in a defibrillator in case one of the ageing rockers - who are all in their late 50s and early 60s - has a heart attack while performing.

The machine, which shocks the heart back into a regular rhythm, would enable a doctor to revive a patient immediately.

A source is quoted in America's Globe magazine as saying: "With all four band members now veterans, their managers are not taking any chances."

However, a spokesman denied the claims saying: "I've never seen a defibrillator backstage."

Last month, the legendary band revealed they want to play a special concert in Iraq for British and American soldiers.

Frontman Mick Jagger says the rockers would be prepared to perform in the war ravaged country to raise the troops' morale but only if they are asked by military chiefs or the US or UK government.

(c) BANG Media International