Keith Richards isn’t just one of the greatest guitarists of all time — he’s also one of rock’s most brutally honest personalities. Known for his hard-living lifestyle, wild stories, and razor-sharp attitude, Richards has never been afraid to say exactly what he thinks. And sometimes, what he thinks isn’t very nice.
Even though he’s part of one of the most influential bands in history, Richards has often taken shots at other famous rock groups. While many musicians support and praise each other, Richards has always preferred to speak his mind, even when it causes controversy. Here are five classic rock bands that Keith Richards has openly criticized over the years.
1. The Band
You might expect Keith Richards to love The Band, especially because they share similar influences in blues and roots rock. But Richards never warmed up to them. After watching Bob Dylan perform with them in 1969, he said they were “too strict” and lacked spontaneity. He felt their live show sounded exactly like the studio versions, which to him meant they didn’t “come alive” on stage. In his eyes, they were more like a backing band than a true standalone act.
2. Creedence Clearwater Revival
Richards admitted that when he first heard Creedence Clearwater Revival, he was impressed. But that didn’t last long. He said their simple, straightforward style quickly became boring. After a few listens, he found their songs too basic and repetitive. For a musician who thrives on raw energy and unpredictability, CCR didn’t hold his attention for long.
3. Grateful Dead
Even though both the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead are associated with 1960s counterculture, Richards was never a fan of the Dead’s long, wandering jams. He once said the band would “poodle around for hours,” which he found boring. He even called Jerry Garcia’s playing “boring,” which shocked many Deadheads. For Richards, rock music needs focus and grit — not endless improvisation.
4. Guns N’ Roses
When Guns N’ Roses exploded onto the scene in the late 1980s, Richards liked their attitude but not their style. He felt their look copied older rock legends like Jimmy Page and Ronnie Wood. He said they were “too much posing” and not original enough. Even though he admired their boldness, their image annoyed him more than their music impressed him.
5. Led Zeppelin
This might be the most famous example. Richards admired Jimmy Page’s guitar skills, but he never liked Led Zeppelin as a whole. He thought Robert Plant’s singing was “too acrobatic,” and he described the band’s overall sound as “a little hollow.” While many consider Zeppelin one of the greatest rock bands ever, Richards simply never connected with their dramatic, powerful style.
Why Richards Speaks So Harshly
Keith Richards has always been a rock purist. He prefers simple, raw, bluesy music over complex or polished sounds. To him, rock and roll should feel alive, messy, and unpredictable. If a band seems too clean, too repetitive, or too showy, he calls it out — even if the band is world-famous.
Whether you agree with him or not, one thing is certain: Keith Richards never pretends to like something he doesn’t. His honesty is part of what makes him such a legendary figure in rock history.