- **Q: Who does Keith Richards consider the true founder of The Rolling Stones?
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Music / Rock History
Keith Richards on The Rolling Stones' True Leader and Lost Guitar Hero
Keith Richards, a cornerstone of The Rolling Stones, offers insights into the band's internal dynamics, revealing who he believes was the true foundational leader and reflecting on the guitarist whose departure he still questions.
Key Insights
- **Ian Stewart, Not Jagger or Richards, was the Initial Architect:** Richards credits pianist Ian Stewart, who was part of the band's earliest lineup, as the true originator. Stewart organized early rehearsals, influenced their blues and jazz direction, and brought drummer Charlie Watts into the fold. Richards states, "In a way, it’s his band still.”
- **Why This Matters:** This challenges the common perception focused solely on the Jagger-Richards partnership and highlights the crucial, often overlooked, role Stewart played in the band's formation and early sound.
- **Regret Over Mick Taylor's Departure:** Richards expresses admiration for guitarist Mick Taylor's talent ("His touch and his tone and his melodic ideas wow me") and laments his decision to leave the band after contributing to classic albums like 'Exile on Main St.' and 'Sticky Fingers'. Richards admits, "I never understood why he left."
- **Why This Matters:** It provides a candid look from Richards on the band's personnel changes, acknowledging the unique musical chemistry Taylor brought during a pivotal era, even while praising current guitarist Ronnie Wood.
In-Depth Analysis
While The Rolling Stones are often defined by the enduring partnership of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Richards himself points to a different figure as the band's foundational force: Ian Stewart. Before the 'Glimmer Twins' became the songwriting powerhouse, Stewart was instrumental in shaping the band's early identity. He steered them towards a blues and jazz sound, organized their formative rehearsals, and was key in recruiting Charlie Watts. Though Stewart later moved into a background role, Richards emphasizes his lasting impact, suggesting the band's core identity still bears Stewart's mark.
The conversation also touches on band evolution and lineup changes, particularly the departure of guitarist Mick Taylor. Taylor joined after Brian Jones, bringing a fluid, melodic lead style that Richards deeply admired, contributing significantly to iconic tracks like 'Monkey Man', 'Moonlight Mile', and the extended jam on 'Can't You Hear Me Knockin'. Richards openly expresses his bewilderment and regret over Taylor's exit, viewing it as an "impetuous move" and wishing Taylor had gone on to "bigger and better things." While Ronnie Wood has capably filled the role since, Richards' comments highlight the unique magic Taylor contributed during his tenure.
FAQ
- **Q: Which former member does Keith Richards regret leaving the band?
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- **Q: What impact did Mick Taylor have on The Rolling Stones' music?
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Takeaways
- The history of iconic bands like The Rolling Stones is often more complex than perceived, with figures like Ian Stewart playing crucial foundational roles.
- Keith Richards offers a candid perspective, acknowledging the contributions of past members like Mick Taylor, even decades after their departure.
- Understanding these internal dynamics provides deeper appreciation for the band's evolution and the chemistry between its various members throughout history.
Discussion
What are your favourite Rolling Stones tracks from the Mick Taylor era? Do you think Ian Stewart gets the credit he deserves? Let us know!
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Sources
Source: “This is his band”: Keith Richards on the true leader in The Rolling Stones target="_blank"
Source: “I always hoped it would go on”: Keith Richards and the musician who should have never left The Rolling Stones target="_blank" (Note: This URL is inferred based on the second article's title and the pattern of the first, actual URL might differ)
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