Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones has never been one to hold back his opinions, especially when it comes to his peers in the music world. Over the years, he’s delivered some blunt, and often humorous, critiques of other English musicians. Here are three memorable moments when Richards didn’t mince words.
1. Mick Jagger
It’s no surprise that tensions have occasionally flared between Richards and Mick Jagger, his longtime bandmate. While the two share a strong brotherhood and continue performing together, Richards has sometimes made jabs at Jagger. In his autobiography, Richards took a swipe at Jagger’s… physical attributes.
Reflecting on the relationship dynamics with Anita Pallenberg, Richards quipped: “The idea of status quo to Anita [Pallenberg], in those days, was verboten. Everything must change. And we’re not married, we’re free, whatever. You’re free as long as you let me know what’s going on. Anyway, she had no fun with [Jagger’s] tiny todger. I know he’s got an enormous pair of balls, but it doesn’t quite fill the gap, does it?”
2. Elton John
In the 1980s, Richards took aim at Elton John, particularly regarding John’s hit “I Don’t Wanna Go On With You Like That,” which he described as inauthentic. After Princess Diana’s tragic passing, John performed “Candle in the Wind” in her honor, a gesture that didn’t go over well with Richards, who found it a bit too “showbiz.”
“Yeah, it did jar a bit, songs for dead blondes,” Richards commented in 1997 about the tribute. “But he was a personal friend, after all. I’d find it difficult to ride on the back of something like that myself, but Reg is showbiz.”
3. Oasis
Richards has thrown barbs at various musicians over the years, and Oasis was no exception. Richards and Jagger shared similar views, with Richards dismissing the band’s music as “crap” and Jagger labeling Oasis as “obnoxious.”
Interestingly, Richards softened his stance in recent years. He spent a New Year’s Eve in the tropics with Noel Gallagher, where the two reportedly bonded over the challenges of managing high-profile bands.
Richards’ remarks may have ruffled some feathers, but his candid takes are part of what makes him a rock icon, never afraid to speak his mind—even if it stings.
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