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Keith Richards about Bob Dylan’s influence on songs

“Obviously. I mean, it goes without saying. Dylan came along and released everyone from that whole three-minute thing, not to mention making it unnecessary to use sentiments based around ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’, you know.”

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Bob Dylan’s influence on both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones during the 1960s was profound, shaping the sound, lyrics, and image of these two iconic bands. Before Dylan, rock music was primarily centered around love songs and simple melodies, but his arrival on the scene brought a new level of depth and sophistication, particularly through his poetic lyrics and commitment to exploring social and political issues. This resonated deeply with both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

For The Beatles, Dylan was a catalyst for their transition from pop stars to serious artists. Prior to meeting Dylan in 1964, The Beatles were primarily known for their catchy, upbeat songs. However, after being introduced to Dylan’s music, they were inspired to experiment with more complex lyrics and innovative musical structures. This shift is particularly evident on albums like Rubber Soul and Revolver, where The Beatles incorporated more introspective and thoughtful themes. Dylan’s influence pushed them toward greater creative freedom, culminating in the groundbreaking Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

The Rolling Stones, on the other hand, were drawn to Dylan’s raw, rebellious energy and his ability to capture the mood of the times. Dylan’s folk and protest songs gave the Stones permission to be more socially conscious. You can also hear their big Dylan incluence, among others, in songs like Who’s Been Sleeping Here? (from the Between the Buttons album, 1967) or Jigsaw Puzzle (from Beggars Banquet, 1968), later on covering Bob’s Like A Rolling Stone during their 1995 tour and beyond. Dylan’s rebellious attitude also aligned with the Stones’ image as the bad boys of rock, further strengthening their position as the antithesis to The Beatles’ more polished persona.

Bob Dylan helped shape the evolution of rock music in the 1960s by inspiring both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to break boundaries and explore new territories in their songwriting and public personas. He would later praise the Stones in 2009 by saying: “The Rolling Stones are truly the greatest rock and roll band in the world and always will be. The last too. Everything that came after them, metal, rap, punk, new wave, pop-rock, you name it… you can trace it all back to the Rolling Stones. They were the first and the last and no one’s ever done it better.”

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