Keith Richards Shares Why He Hates Led Zeppelin
In 2015, The Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards didn’t hold back during an interview promoting his solo album Crosseyed Heart. Known for speaking his mind, Richards stirred things up by taking shots at fellow music legends like David Bowie, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen. This time, his target was the English rock band, Led Zeppelin.
Richards’ Opinion on Zeppelin Members
While Richards had some praise for Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, his critique of the band as a whole was less flattering. He did acknowledge Page’s talent, saying, “Jimmy Page is one of the best guitar players I’ve ever known.” But Richards wasn’t impressed with the band’s overall sound. “As a band, I felt aptly named—it never took off for me musically,” he commented, implying the “Led” in Led Zeppelin stood for something heavy and uninspiring.
Richards wasn’t shy about sharing his thoughts about Led Zeppelin’s other members either. He described John Bonham as a “hell of a powerhouse drummer” but added that he found Bonham’s playing style a bit “heavy-handed.” As for Robert Plant, Richards compared him to other frontmen of the time, like Roger Daltrey, Rod Stewart, and even Mick Jagger, saying:
“They all seem to copy each other a bit.”
Zeppelin Lacks Musical Depth According to Richards
Despite his criticisms, Richards still admired Page’s skills, saying, “Jimmy is a brilliant player. But I always felt there was something a little hollow about it, you know?” This wasn’t the first time Richards expressed his feelings about Zeppelin. In a 2004 interview, he echoed similar sentiments and called out the band’s music as “lacking in depth.”
Richards has never been one to hold back his opinions, especially when it comes to fellow rock icons. His criticisms of Led Zeppelin weren’t the first time he’s aimed at famous bands—he also made waves with comments about The Beatles and the Grateful Dead. While Richards’ words might sting for Zeppelin fans, they are classic Keith—unfiltered, honest, and always ready to shake things up.
