The Legendary Band Keith Richards Refused To Take Seriously: “Too Much Posing”
Keith Richards once criticised Guns N’ Roses for putting too much emphasis on their image, calling their style “too much posing” and “too much copycat”. His comments reflected a generational divide over how much appearance should matter in rock, as the 1980s music industry placed greater value on visual identity.
Richards said he admired the band’s determination to succeed despite resistance from radio, but admitted he had not listened to a full album and was not in a position to judge their music. Slash, who admired the Rolling Stones, may have taken the criticism to heart. Richards later warmed to the band and reportedly delayed a falling-out that might otherwise have come sooner.
In short
- Richards criticised Guns N’ Roses’ image as excessive posing.
- He praised their determination despite radio resistance.
- He later became more supportive of the band.
Explained simply
Guns N’ Roses emerged in the 1980s, when rock bands were increasingly promoted through music videos, distinctive clothing and carefully shaped public images. The group, whose best-known members include singer Axl Rose and guitarist Slash, became known for a hard-edged sound and a striking look.
Keith Richards is a guitarist in the Rolling Stones, a British band that rose to fame in the 1960s. His comments came amid a wider difference between generations of rock musicians over how much a band’s appearance should count, though he said he had not heard enough of Guns N’ Roses’ music to judge it fully.