In an incident from the 1960s, Keith Richards received a punch from Chuck Berry after reaching for his guitar whilst visiting the elder musician's dressing room. Berry made clear that his instrument was not to be handled by others, and Richards later reflected that the response was entirely warranted, understanding the guitar's significance to any serious musician. Rather than creating lasting animosity, the physical confrontation appeared to reinforce Richards' respect for established boundaries.

Despite this altercation, The Rolling Stones guitarist and his bandmates have consistently credited Chuck Berry as a cornerstone influence on their careers and musical development. Both Richards and Mick Jagger have publicly acknowledged Berry's pioneering role in transforming blues into rock and roll, with his rhythmic techniques and guitar work proving central to how major bands shaped their sound. The encounter between the two musicians ultimately reflected a shared commitment to artistic integrity rather than any genuine conflict.