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Rolling Stones quotes: Keith Richards about new technology
KEITH RICHARDS AND TIME-TRAVELING SOUND For Keith Richards, tech isn’t about flashy gadgets—it’s all about chasing the sounds of the past. Modern tools excite him only when they make him feel like he’s jamming through a vintage amp or reliving classic tones. He’s not reinventing the wheel; he’s tweaking it until it hums just right. Every new gizmo is a potential portal to older, golden sounds, letting him blend today’s tech with yesterday’s timeless rock ‘n’ roll vibes.
“The only new technology that interests me is when it sort of throws me back sound-wise. And I can think, ‘Wow, that means I can go onstage and sound like Scotty Moore now and again!’ “
For Keith Richards, the appeal of new technology doesn’t lie in shiny gadgets or futuristic sounds—it’s all about time travel. Not literal, of course, but sonic. Keith’s curiosity is piqued when modern tech lets him tap into the sounds of the past. As he put it, “The only new technology that interests me is when it sort of throws me back sound-wise.” He’s not looking to reinvent the wheel but to fine-tune it until it hums like a vintage guitar amp. What excites him isn’t innovation for innovation’s sake—it’s that moment when a new tool opens a portal to an older sound.
Old Soul, New Tools
While other artists may chase trends or lean into the latest plug-ins and presets, Keith sees tech through a different lens. It’s a tool—not the star of the show. He isn’t chasing futuristic tones or robotic effects. Instead, he wants gear that brings him closer to the raw, expressive sound of early rock ‘n’ roll.
A Soundtrack from the Past
For someone like Keith, who came of age listening to the likes of Scotty Moore, tech isn’t about escaping the past—it’s about reconnecting with it. Whether it’s an amp modeler that mimics a ‘50s setup or a pedal that adds that perfect slapback echo, if it sounds like history, it’s music to his ears. In the end, Richards doesn’t resist technology—he just wants it to come with a little dust and soul.
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