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The Rolling Stones in the press: “Keith Richard: ‘The Pusher’ Behind the Stones” (1976)

*From Creem magazine, USA, October 1 1976

*Click for more YESTERDAY’S PAPERS

Keith Richards and the Stones’ 1976 Tour: Myth, Music, and Controversy

In 1976, The Rolling Stones embarked on their European tour, a massive undertaking that showcased the band’s enduring appeal and highlighted their raw energy on stage. However, the tour wasn’t without controversy, particularly surrounding Keith Richards, whose reputation as a rock-and-roll outlaw was becoming increasingly public. By this point, Richards’ heavy drug use had begun to draw significant scrutiny, with rumors circulating about his role in the band as more than just a guitarist and songwriter. Some critics and detractors labeled him a “pusher,” implying that his drug use was influencing those around him, including members of the Stones’ entourage. (Ref. Keith Richards Rolling Stones Story)

This perception of Richards as a central figure in the Stones’ hedonistic lifestyle was exacerbated by his visible and unapologetic behavior. The mid-’70s marked a tumultuous period for the guitarist, with his heroin addiction and brushes with the law dominating headlines. For some, Richards embodied the excesses of the rock-and-roll lifestyle, and his association with drugs became a convenient scapegoat for the broader cultural anxieties about the influence of rock music on youth.

Triumph Amid Turmoil: The Stones’ 1976 Tour and Richards’ Resilience

Despite the controversies, the Stones’ 1976 tour was a commercial success, with the band delivering high-energy performances night after night. Richards, for all his troubles, remained a vital force on stage, his guitar work as sharp and inventive as ever. Songs like Brown Sugar and Jumpin’ Jack Flash electrified audiences, proving that the band could still captivate despite the turmoil offstage.

While the “pusher” accusations never gained serious traction, they added to the mythos of Keith Richards as the ultimate rock outlaw. For the Stones, this period further solidified their reputation as the ultimate bad boys of rock, defying expectations and pushing boundaries while delivering unforgettable music and performances. (Ref. Keith Richards Rolling Stones Story)

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