Keith Richards’ opinion on David Bowie

The Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards is not only known for being one of the most influential guitar players and songwriters of all time, fans also know him as a really sincere person that always gives his real opinion on things. So he already criticized many artists, including some that he hung out with or even collaborated with the Stones at some moment. One of the artists that he once said he really wasn’t a big fan was the late legendary David Bowie. But he also said a few nice things about the musician after his passing.

What is Keith Richards’ opinion on David Bowie

Keith Richards is only four years older than David Bowie and the late musician started his solo career in 1967, when The Rolling Stones already were one of the most important bands in the world and had released many classic albums.

Over the years Bowie developed a good friendship especially with Richards’ bandmate Mick Jagger. They even made a famous version for the Martha and the Vandellas hit “Dancing In The Street”. Their duet was released as a single in 1985.

But despite Bowie’s success and proximity with the Stones, Richards didn’t have good things to say about him in 2008 during an interview with Uncut magazine. At the time, Bowie was the cover of the magazine. So they asked Richards which was his favorite track from the artist.

Richards then chose the track “Changes”, from the 1971 album “Hunky Dory”. He said that he was “not a huge fan” and that track was the only one he could remember. “It’s all pose, it’s all fucking posing. It’s nothing to do with music. He knows it too. I can’t think of anything else he’s done that would make my hair stand up,” Keith Richards said.

But Bowie loved the Rolling Stones and even covered their track “Let’s Spend The Night Together” in 1973 on his album “Aladdin Sane”. That song was written by Jagger and Richards, being originally featured on their 1967 album “Between The Buttons”.

Richards’ praised David Bowie after his death in 2016

Although Richards didn’t have nice things to say about Bowie’s music in 2008, he praised the musician after his passing in 2016. Bowie passed away on January 10 that year after a long battle with liver cancer at the age of 69.

On his social media, Richards posted a photo from the 80s which had him, Tina Turner and David Bowie hanging out. He lamented the musician’s death, calling him a “true original”.

“I’m deeply saddened by such a sudden shock. David was a true original in everything he did and, along with many others, I’m going to miss him. Another goodbye to another good friend,” Keith Richards said.

As a band, The Rolling Stones released an official statement to NME at the time. They said: “The Rolling Stones are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of our dear friend David Bowie. As well as being a wonderful and kind man, he was an extraordinary artist, and a true original”.

It wasn’t the first time that Richards criticized someone and then said the opposite later. Or even worked together with that person. More recently, for example, Elton John was part of the Stones album “Hackney Diamonds”. A few decades ago Richards didn’t say many good things about the singer and pianist when he performed at Diana’s (Princess of Wales) funeral.