Keith Richards: The Rolling Stones Veteran’s Take on Pop Music and Mobile Phones
In a recent interview with The Daily Telegraph, Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist of The Rolling Stones, shared his thoughts on pop music and mobile phones. At 79 years old, Richards prefers to lose himself in a book rather than listen to the charts and pander to the modern version of ‘political correctness’.
Richards expressed his disdain for pop music, stating that it has always been “rubbish”. He believes that pop music is made to be cheap and easy, resulting in a lack of depth and originality. He prefers to hear music created by people playing instruments, rather than the plastic synthesised Muzak that is commonly heard in elevators.
When it comes to rap music, Richards admitted that he doesn’t enjoy it. He described it as people yelling at him and telling him it’s music, also known as rap. He feels that he can get enough of that without leaving his house.
The Rolling Stones have also paid attention to the concept of ‘wokeness’. In 2021, the group announced that they would no longer play their 1971 single ‘Brown Sugar’ due to criticism of its portrayal of slavery and rape. Richards commented on this, stating that we are all trapped in the world of ‘wokery’, where people are afraid of saying the wrong thing and upsetting others. He believes that fear can do amazing things to people.
One aspect of modern society that Richards strongly opposes is mobile phones. He considers them to be a “drug” that everyone is “stuck” on. Richards himself does not own a cellphone and sees it as a strange world we are left with until it washes away and we drown in our own problems.
As someone who has given up drugs and only drinks occasionally, Richards finds solace in books. He always has a book on the go, which keeps him sane and serves as a form of escape. He admits that being a pop star can be a pain at times, and retreating into books provides him with a much-needed break.
Keith Richards’ perspective on pop music, ‘wokeness’, and mobile phones offers a unique insight into the mindset of a music legend. While his views may not align with the mainstream, they reflect his individuality and refusal to conform to societal norms. As technology continues to advance and music evolves, it’s intriguing to hear the perspective of someone who chooses to disconnect from the digital world and find solace in the pages of a book.
