Keith Richards’ Savage Comments About Creedance Clearwater Revival

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has never been one to sugarcoat his opinions. Known more for his devil-may-care attitude than musical diplomacy, Richards once reportedly insulted his own reflection while drunk—before realizing it was himself. That same raw honesty carries into his musical judgments. He rarely hands out praise, unless it’s for someone like Aretha Franklin. So when it comes to Creedence Clearwater Revival, his opinion is—predictably—complicated.

Creedence: The Simplicity That Split Opinions

Creedence Clearwater Revival had a brief but powerful run in the late ’60s, capturing a very specific spirit of America with their roots-rock sound. Even Richards couldn’t deny their early charm. “Yeah, I’m into a very weird thing with that band,” he said in a 1969 interview while Creedence played in the background. But that appreciation didn’t last long.

“When I first heard them, I was really knocked out, but I became bored with them very quickly. After a few times, it started to annoy me. They’re so basic and simple that maybe it’s a little too much,” Richards added.

That simplicity, while criticized by Richards, was also a major part of Creedence’s appeal. Bruce Springsteen, who inducted them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, praised the band’s raw power and working-class authenticity. “Creedence Clearwater Revival … were progressive and anachronistic at the same time. An unapologetic throwback to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll,” Springsteen said. “They broke ranks with their peers on the progressive, psychedelic San Francisco scene. Their approach was basic and uncompromising, holding true to the band members’ working-class origins. I stand here tonight, still envious of that music’s power and its simplicity.”

Richards and the Stones’ Rougher Edge

The Stones, of course, always aimed to shake things up. In that same interview, Richards laid out his band’s mission: “It’s always been the Stones’ thing to get up on stage and kick the crap out of everything. We had three years of that before we made it, and we were only just getting it together when we became famous. We still had plenty to do on stage, and I think we still have. That’s why the tour should be such a groove for us.”

So while Richards didn’t dismiss Creedence entirely, their straight-ahead style wasn’t wild enough to hold his attention for long.