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The classic rock band Keith Richards simply couldn’t understand and slammed as “too strict”
Keith Richards criticised The Band after seeing them back Bob Dylan at the Isle of Wight gig in 1969, saying they were “too strict” and lacked spontaneity. His view contrasted with the praise The Band received from musicians including George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Elton John, and highlights Richards’ preference for loose, instinctive playing.
Richards said Dylan’s distinctive rhythm worked best when he performed alone, while The Band’s long history of backing other artists may have shaped their disciplined approach. The article notes the apparent irony that the Rolling Stones have themselves been accused of being musically limited, and says they once missed a cue when Dylan improvised during a live performance in France.
In short
- Richards felt The Band lacked spontaneity.
- He praised Dylan’s solo performances at the Isle of Wight.
- The Stones have faced similar criticism of their own sound.
Explained simply
The Band were a Canadian-American rock group known for backing other musicians before making records under their own name. They became closely associated with Bob Dylan after touring and recording with him in the late 1960s, including at the 1969 Isle of Wight concert.
Dylan’s songs often use distinctive rhythms, and musicians can differ over whether tight, rehearsed playing or a looser approach suits them best. The disagreement matters because it reflects contrasting ideas about spontaneity in rock music, while both The Band and the Rolling Stones have been praised and criticised for their musical style.