Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has never been one to hold back his thoughts. That includes letting his peers know what he thought about their music,
As detailed by Far Out Magazine, Richards felt Led Zeppelin’s name was “aptly named” and that their music “never took off” for him, describing their overall style as “hollow” and “heavy-handed.”
“As a band, I felt they were aptly named, but they never took off for me, musically,” he said. “At the same time, Jimmy Page is one of the best guitar players ever known, and Bonham was a hell of a powerhouse drummer. Although I think he was heavy-handed. That’s where the ‘led’ comes in.”
But, Richards added, “If you want to cut the story short: Led Zeppelin was Jimmy Page.”
In the wake of these comments, Page diplomatically responded to Classic Rock. “Keith can say what he wants. He’s Keith Richards,” the muscian quipped. “I think he’s done some amazing work. I respect his playing.
“[But] I’m not sure what he means by calling Led Zeppelin hollow. I think he’s got his tongue in his cheek. What we did was really cool,” the guitarist added.
Richards first criticized the iconic rock band in 1969, declaring: “The guy’s voice started to get on my nerves,” he said. “I don’t know why; maybe he’s a little too acrobatic.”
In a 1977 interview with Trouser Press, Led Zeppelin’s guitarist Jimmy Page remembered when Richards offered to fix the band’s issue.
“When Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards came to hear us play, Keith said, ‘You ought to get another guitarist. You’re rapidly becoming known as the most overworked guitarist in the business,’” Page recalled. “Quite amusing. There are times when I’d just love to get another guitarist on. But it just wouldn’t look right to the audience.”
Despite his comments, Page played on numerous Rolling Stones songs, including “One Hit (To the Body),” “Scarlet” and “Heart of Stone.”
