The Rock Legends Keith Richards Hates

In the past, the only opportunity that musicians have in terms of venting out about other musicians was during interviews. Now, technology has paved the way for people, not just rockstars, to have a constant outlet for their musings.

During rock and roll’s heyday, musicians like Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones is one of the few who has never been one to keep his feelings quiet, be it in music, politics, or other issues concerning him. He even shared some of the acts that he previously hated. Here are the six artists hated by Richards:

David Bowie
The unique and well-thought visual experience that this artist provides didn’t sit too well with Richards. In a 2008 interview, Richards mentioned that the only song that he could remember from Hunky Dory was “Changes.” He said:
“It’s all pose. It’s all fucking posing. It’s nothing to do with music He knows it too.” he uttered. “I can’t think of anything else he’s done that would make my hair stand up.”

Oasis
Even though Oasis were built on the same foundations as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones laid down, the two latter bands were keen on them. Richards called them crap and said that “These guys are just obnoxious. Grow up and then come back and see if you can hang.”

Mick Jagger also commented on Oasis’ material saying that “you can’t dance to it, the new album’s impossible.” Meanwhile, the former Beatles stars have something to say about them too. Paul McCartney called them “unhip” and George Harrison said that “The music lacks depth and the singer Liam is a pain, the rest of the band don’t need him.”

Prince
The Rolling Stones guitarist commented that “An overrated midget… Prince has to find out what it means to be a prince. That’s the trouble with conferring a title on yourself before you’ve proved it. His attitude when he opened for us… was insulting to our audience. You don’t try to knock off the headline like that when you’re playing a Stones crowd. He’s a prince who thinks he’s a king already. Good luck to him.”

This comment may have had something to do with Prince’s uncanny ability to play the lead guitar with nonchalance and power.

Elton John
Richards thought that Elton John is a little lazy and said that he is “An old bitch… his writing is limited to songs about dead blondes.” John, on the other hand, delivered some searing words about Richards. The singer said, “It would be awful to be like Keith Richards. He’s pathetic. It’s like a monkey with arthritis, trying to go on stage and look young. I have great respect for the Stones but they would have been better if they had thrown Keith out 15 years ago.”

Led Zeppelin
During a 1969 interview, Richards said that the Led Zeppelin vocalist’s voice started to get on his nerves. He said, “I don’t know why; maybe he’s a little too acrobatic.” And most recently, he’s turned his crosshairs to target the drummer John Bonham saying, “I love Jimmy Page, but as a band, no, with John Bonham thundering down the highway in an uncontrolled 18-wheeler. He had cornered the market there. Jimmy is a brilliant player. But I always felt there was something a little hollow about it, you know?”

Metallica
Even though Metallica has been vocal about their influences, including The Rolling Stones, Richards has not been too kind to them saying that “Millions are in love with Metallica and Black Sabbath. I just thought they were great jokes… I don’t know where Metallica’s inspiration comes from, but if it’s from me, then I fucked up.”