Keith Richards’ Unfiltered Opinions on Metallica and Black Sabbath: ‘I Just Thought They Were Great Jokes’, Reveals Soft Spot for AC/DC

The Rolling Stones are back in the limelight with their 24th studio album, “Hackney Diamonds,” the first original release since 2005’s “A Bigger Bang.” Among the anticipated tracks, “Bite My Head Off” stands out, featuring none other than ex-Beatle Paul McCartney on bass. Producer Andrew Watt dubs it the album’s “punk song,” adding an edgy twist to the Stones’ repertoire.

In a candid chat with Rolling Stone, Keith Richards, legendary guitarist for the Stones, reflected on his musical journey at the age of 80.

With a chuckle, he acknowledged the occasional thought of, “What the heck am I doing? I’m 80 years old and playing rock & roll.” He admitted that others might wonder the same, but for Richards, it’s simple:

“And the only answer is, ‘This is what I do’,” he said. “Who else can do it? If the Stones can’t do it, nobody else can.”

He firmly believes that if the Stones can’t do it, no one else can.

Longtime followers of Richards won’t be surprised by his frankness.

Over the years, he’s been known to share unfiltered opinions about his musical peers. Elton John, despite collaborating on two tracks for “Hackney Diamonds,” once received a sharp critique from Richards. The guitarist once labeled Prince as “overrated” and Bruce Springsteen as “too contrived.” Even the iconic Beatles and their celebrated album “Sgt. Pepper” weren’t exempt from Richards’ critiques.

However, Richards’ harshest words were saved for Metallica and Black Sabbath in a 2015 interview.

He expressed his surprise at their popularity, personally viewing them as “great jokes.” He even pondered if their inspiration came from him, suggesting he may have “fucked up” if that were the case.

“Millions are in love with Metallica and Black Sabbath. I just thought they were great jokes”, adding “I don’t know where Metallica’s inspiration comes from, but if it’s from me, then I fucked up.”

Yet, amidst the candid critiques, one band receives genuine affection from Richards: AC/DC. In a notable moment in June 2003, Richards invited Malcolm and Angus Young of AC/DC to join the Stones onstage in Germany. The two bands also united for a massive performance in Toronto, where Richards praised AC/DC as “a great little bundle of energy.” It’s a heartwarming appreciation from a man not easily impressed.