When Keith Richards defined Mick Jagger in six words
If you think of the worst thing you could say to a friend, it’s likely that Keith Richards has said it to Mick Jagger. On some level, the scathing words Richards has directed towards Jagger would likely end friendships, create enemies, and break up bands, but somehow, they always made it through. Even when he accused him of having a “tiny todger”.
Arguably the most malicious comments Richards ever made were about Jagger’s solo work. Granted, some bands are not lucky enough to remain amicable after breaking up – some don’t even experience the pleasure of peace when they’re together – but Richards seemed to make it his mission to degrade Jagger at any given opportunity.
When he was asked about Goddess in the Doorway, for instance, he responded with disdain, not only dismissing the entire album but alluding to Jagger’s lack of value on any project that isn’t within the band. “What, Dog Shit in the Doorway?” he said, adding, “I listened to three tracks and gave up on it. Sometimes, you wonder. With The Stones, he’s great. It’s best to keep him on a short leash.”
While some may claim this to be your typical laddish “banter”, it undoubtedly comes across as disrespectful, if not entirely bitter. That said, there were times – albeit rare occasions – when Richards had positive things to say about his bandmate. In 2019, it seemed that the pair had gotten past whatever turbulence they previously experienced when Richards admitted he now only hated him 1% of the time.
Moreover, Marc Spitz noted in his book Jagger that the pair had numerous grievances between each other, but Richards did once praise Jagger’s musical prowess in just six words: “He’s not thinking when he’s playing.” Of course, others may have turned away at Richards’ obvious lack of positive vocabulary and enthusiasm, but given their history, it’s something.
He also said that Jagger’s talent “comes from inside him; he always played like that, from the early days on”. This kind of open appreciation is entirely fitting, considering Richards’ bluntness and tendency to steer clear from obvious displays of affection. Maybe, to him, it’s not masculine enough, or perhaps it’s a generational thing, but delivering positive reinforcement, particularly in the early days, is not something that came naturally to the singer.
Before you feel sorry for Jagger, however, it’s important to note that he didn’t have a clean record either; in fact, he endorsed strange comments and behaviours without displaying much remorse. This could have been alcoholism and drug abuse, of course, but still – it doesn’t bode well. The only thing that we can hope is that, as The Rolling Stones continue to thrive, hopefully, the past has become something to learn from, not repeat.
