Stones gathering moss

Years ago I became a member of the Rolling Stones fan club.

Not because I'm a mad fan but because it gave me early access to concert tickets.

And having seen them live a couple of times I'd say it was worth joining.

But...

Everytime I get an email from The Stones they seem to be hawking another piece of brand damaging merchandise.

I know they're getting old. But surely they have more than enough money to fund their retirement?

The kind of stuff I'm talking about includes merchandise that The Stones would have laughed at back in their late 60's/early 70's prime.

With the just announced Stones' Monopoly the absolute worst example of all.

Honestly! One minute you're hoovering up half of Bolivia and making a film called Cocksucker Blues and the next you're getting rich off people putting hotels on Park Lane.

Obviously in our brand obsessed times this sort of stuff appeals to many people.

But as far as I'm concerned it's as damaging to authenticity of The Stones brand as the family friendly 4WD Cayenne is to the Porsche brand.