Think about if the Stones’ broke up right after “Exile”.......they would probably be as revered as The Beatles, but they went on way too long and put out too many mediocre albums since then and it somewhat sullied their legacy.
As a Stones fan I must comment on this...haha!
The Stones ARE revered. Many critics and people consider their best music masterpieces as well. Few bands could top the earthshaking genius of Satisfaction, Gimme Shelter, or the entire album of Exile.
Having said that, I don’t agree that they produces mediocre albums after Exile. Many of their albums were really good, like Some Girls, Tattoo You, and Voodoo Lounge. They continued to take chances. I disagree with the idea that after a certain age one should simply retire and fade away. Who wants to do that really? Just sit around and twiddle your thumbs? No, I don’t agree. As long as you feel the fire and want to continue your craft and art you should do it as long as you can. Every time I go out to a mall or in public somewhere I still see at least a couple teenagers wearing Stones shirts (and Beatles and others too). They still hold sway after all these years.