Keith Richards has never been one to hold back when it comes to his opinions on fellow musicians. Over the years, the Rolling Stones guitarist has taken verbal jabs at bands ranging from The Who to Metallica. But one of his more memorable critiques came in 2015, when Richards called Led Zeppelin’s sound “a little hollow” during the promotion of his solo album Crosseyed Heart.
Despite the pointed remark, Richards was quick to clarify that his criticism wasn’t aimed at Jimmy Page personally. In fact, he praised Page’s guitar work as “brilliant,” placing most of the blame on the late drummer John Bonham. Still, the comments drew wide attention and reignited old debates among classic rock fans.
Keith Richards Takes Aim At Zeppelin’s Style
While promoting his album, Keith Richards described Led Zeppelin’s music as lacking substance, attributing this to Bonham’s heavy drumming. He famously compared it to “an uncontrolled 18-wheeler,” suggesting that the band’s sonic weight overwhelmed its musical depth. Though Richards acknowledged Page as “one of the best guitar players ever known,” he didn’t shy away from expressing his long-held views on the band’s sound.
Richards’ opinions echoed statements he made as early as 2004, where he similarly praised Page but dismissed the band’s overall dynamic. His issue seemed rooted in style: where Led Zeppelin leaned into power and complexity, Richards favored a more stripped-down, blues-driven rhythm. The contrast between the two musical philosophies has long marked a line in the sand between rock’s major innovators.
Jimmy Page Offers A Classy Response
When asked about the remarks, Jimmy Page responded with poise. Rather than fire back, he simply said, “Keith can say what he wants. He’s Keith Richards.” Page went on to compliment Richards’ body of work and showed no sign of taking the criticism personally. “I think he’s got his tongue in his cheek,” Page added, referring to the “hollow” comment.
Page’s gracious reply stood in contrast to Richards’ candid tone, but it also reinforced the respect that exists between the two guitar legends. For fans, the moment offered a rare glimpse into how two of rock’s biggest icons view each other—not as rivals, but as artists with different creative ideals.