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Rolling Stones quotes: Keith Richards on John Lennon (1978)
KEITH RICHARDS AND JOHN LENNON: ROCK’S WILD DUO Keith Richards and John Lennon weren’t best buds, but they were chaos incarnate—equal parts rivalry, respect, and pure rock ’n’ roll fun. From swapping riffs and barbs to late-night London antics, these two legends created their own backstage rhythm. While the media hyped Beatles vs. Stones, Keith and John juggled jam sessions, drinks, and playful digs, proving that sometimes the best kind of rock friendship comes with a little mischief and a lot of attitude.
“Hollywood is the end of the line for so many people. It’s a killer and if you’re weak you can be sure it’ll get to you. It’s like when we were rehearsing in New York, we tried to find John Lennon and get back into the scene. I mean, what the fuck is Lennon doing farming cows in upstate New York… what’s THAT all about?”
Keith Richards And John Lennon: Clash And Camaraderie
Keith Richards and John Lennon had a relationship that was as unpredictable as it was magnetic—part rivalry, part admiration, all rock ’n’ roll mischief. They weren’t exactly best friends, but they were kindred spirits in the chaos of the ’60s: swapping barbs, trading riffs, and testing the limits of late-night London life. While the press pitted The Beatles against The Rolling Stones, Keith and John found their own offstage rhythm—jamming, drinking, and occasionally mocking each other’s bands.
Lennon could be brutally honest, calling the Stones a Beatles knockoff, while Keith fired back years later, slyly questioning The Beatles’ longevity. Between studio sessions and headline-grabbing antics, the two forged a bond built on respect, competitiveness, and the kind of rebellious energy only rock legends can summon.
From Late-Night Chaos To Mutual Respect
Their shared adventures weren’t without drama. The infamous Redlands bust and Lennon’s own legal run-ins marked the high points of their wild ’60s escapades, fueled by drugs, late nights, and endless headlines. By the ’70s, their paths diverged—Lennon focused on solo work, and Keith delved deeper into rock’s underworld—but the admiration never fully vanished. Keith often praised Lennon’s raw talent, while John respected the Stones’ grit and edge. Two rebels, both shaping music history in different ways, they were united by mischief, music, and a rivalry that sometimes blurred into friendship. It was rock ’n’ roll chemistry in its purest, most combustible form.
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