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Here’s What the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger & Keith Richards Think About Using AI in Music
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.
In short
- Jagger and Richards oppose AI imitations of the Stones.
- Both want AI music to add original human creativity.
- The band used deepfake faces in a new video.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
AI that imitates recognisable artists without their consent can exploit years of creative work, mislead listeners and weaken artists’ control over their voices and identities. Requiring permission and fair compensation would protect artists while still allowing AI tools to support music made with genuinely new ideas.
The case against
Imitation and influence have long been part of musical creativity, and broad restrictions on AI could limit experimentation or make emerging tools harder to use. If AI-generated tracks are clearly identified and do not falsely imply an artist’s endorsement, creators could argue that new works inspired by familiar styles should remain possible without each artist having veto power.
Explained simply
The Rolling Stones are one of the world's most influential rock bands, formed in the 1960s and still recording and performing. Mick Jagger is their lead singer and Keith Richards their guitarist; together they have shaped rock music over six decades with distinctive voices and styles that millions around the world recognise.
Artificial intelligence can now be trained to imitate human voices and musical styles, creating music that sounds like it was made by a particular artist without their involvement. This raises important questions about who owns the right to an artist's voice, whether artists should give permission before their voice is used this way, and whether they should be paid if someone profits from AI-generated music that copies them.
The debate reflects a broader tension between creative innovation and artists' rights. Technology companies and some creators see AI as opening new possibilities, but many musicians worry that AI trained on their work without permission could displace them or undermine their earning potential. Comments from major artists like Jagger and Richards draw attention to these concerns about protection, consent and fair compensation.
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