The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have criticised the use of artificial intelligence to imitate artists, arguing that AI-generated music should be original rather than copying established acts. Their comments matter because they add prominent voices to the debate over artists’ rights, consent and compensation when AI is trained to reproduce recognisable voices or musical styles.

Jagger said he opposes AI reproductions that sound exactly like the band, while accepting that people can use the technology if they contribute their own ideas. Richards similarly called for new creative input instead of repeated copying, despite the band having worked through major recording advances over its 63-year career. The Stones nevertheless used deepfake facial effects in the video for “In the Stars”, placing their younger-looking faces on real actors and musicians filmed on a physical set.