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Rolling Stones Quotes: Keith Richards on going back to America in 1969
FROM DISNEY DREAMS TO REALITY CHECK Keith Richards once saw America as “a real fantasy land” — all Mickey Mouse and hamburger dates. But by ’69, the dream had cracked. The carefree vibe was gone, replaced by protests, politics, and a restless youth demanding change. The Stones, always tuned into the times, felt that shift hard — trading innocence for grit as America’s fairytale turned into something far more real, loud, and unpredictable.
“America was a real fantasy land. It was still Walt Disney and hamburger dates and when you came back in 1969 it wasn´t any more. Kids were really into what was going on in their country. I remember watching Goldwater-Johnson in ’64 and itwas a complete little show. But by the time it cam to Nixon’s turm two years ago, people were concerned in a really different way.”
Keith Richards described America in the early ’60s as “a real fantasy land,” filled with simple pleasures like “Walt Disney and hamburger dates.” But by 1969, that image had completely changed. The country was no longer a carefree playground; it had become a place of serious political and social engagement, especially among the youth.
Rolling Stones Keith Richards on Political Awakening and Cultural Change
Richards recalled watching the 1964 presidential debates between Goldwater and Johnson, which he called “a complete little show” — a spectacle that seemed almost trivial at the time. Yet, by the time Nixon took office in 1969, the mood in America had shifted dramatically. People, especially the younger generation, were deeply concerned and involved with what was happening politically and socially. This change reflected a growing awareness and activism that would shape the culture and music scene, including the Rolling Stones’ approach during their return tour. The innocence of early ’60s America had given way to a landscape marked by unrest and urgency, capturing a nation in the midst of transformation. The protests, the counterculture, and the fight for civil rights made it clear that music was no longer just entertainment — it was a powerful vehicle for expression and change. This charged atmosphere influenced not only the band’s music but also their connection with American audiences on a deeper level.
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