Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Keith Richards

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Keith Richards

Public opinion and media debates around Keith Richards—discover key moments of controversy.

Keith Richards is an iconic English musician, best known as a founding member, guitarist, and co-songwriter of the Rolling Stones. His songwriting partnership with Mick Jagger is one of history's most successful. Richards' distinctive guitar playing has defined the band's sound for over six decades. He gained notoriety for his countercultural image, romantic relationships, and admitted drug use. Originally known as Keith Richard, he later formally adopted his family name, Richards.

April 2007: Controversial Interview with NME

In an April 2007 interview for NME magazine, Keith Richards was quoted saying he had snorted his father's ashes mixed with cocaine. His manager later stated that the anecdote was meant as a joke.

2015: Comments on Rap, Metallica, and Rock

In 2015, Keith Richards shared his opinions on various music genres in an interview with the New York Daily News. He criticized rap and hip hop, calling them for "tone deaf" people. He also described Metallica and Black Sabbath as "great jokes" and expressed his disappointment with the lack of syncopation in modern rock and roll.