In 2020, The Rolling Stones surprised fans by releasing a long-lost 1974 collaboration with Jimmy Page called “Scarlet.” The song, blending the Stones’ rebellious energy with Page’s legendary guitar skills, was a powerful mix of two rock icons.
But the release also sparked some curiosity, given the rocky history between Keith Richards and Page’s band, Led Zeppelin. Richards has never been shy about his feelings—while he admired Page as a guitarist, he’s been openly critical of the rest of Led Zeppelin, especially Robert Plant.
His harsh opinions on the band go back years and haven’t changed much over time.
Early Criticism: Richards vs. Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones are two of the biggest names in British rock, and you might expect some mutual respect between them.
But from the start, Richards made it clear that while he appreciated Jimmy Page’s talent, he had little regard for the rest of Led Zeppelin. His first major criticism came as early as 1969 when, in an interview with Rolling Stone, he said that Plant’s voice “started to get on [his] nerves” because it was “a little too acrobatic.”
This wasn’t a one-time comment. Over the years, Richards continued to speak highly of Page’s skills, but he never held back his dislike for the band as a whole. “To me, Led Zeppelin is Jimmy Page if you wanna cut the story short,” Richards once said, pointing out that he saw Page as the only real standout.
Different Styles and Personalities
A big reason for Richards’ dislike seems to be a difference in musical style and personality. Richards has always been known for his relaxed, down-to-earth approach to rock music, preferring simplicity and raw energy. Led Zeppelin, by contrast, embraced a bigger, more epic sound with complex performances. This clash of styles was a major reason for his critical view of the band.
Richards didn’t stop at the music either—he also took shots at the band’s members. He once described John Bonham’s drumming as “heavy-handed” and said Robert Plant reminded him of other dramatic lead singers, like Roger Daltrey and Mick Jagger, who he felt all copied each other’s flamboyant stage presence.
“Hollow” and Unimpressed
By 2015, Richards’ opinion of Led Zeppelin hadn’t softened. He described the band as “hollow” and said, “I love Jimmy Page, but as a band, no.” He criticized Bonham’s drumming again, comparing it to an “uncontrolled 18-wheeler” barreling down the highway. Even though he acknowledged Page’s brilliance as a guitarist, he never quite accepted the band’s overall sound.
Despite these strong opinions, Richards and Jimmy Page remained friends. Page didn’t seem to take Richards’ comments too seriously either. In response to the criticisms, Page said, “Keith can say what he wants. He’s Keith Richards. I respect his playing,” adding that he believed Richards’ remarks were said with a bit of humor.
Why Richards Never Liked Led Zeppelin
So, what’s the real reason Keith Richards disliked Led Zeppelin?
It comes down to different choices in music. Richards preferred a simpler, rougher rock sound, while Led Zeppelin leaned into more complex and dramatic performances. Richards respected Jimmy Page’s guitar work but couldn’t get past the rest of the band’s style, which he found overblown.
Although Richards was blunt about his feelings, his criticisms were always focused on the music, not personal attacks on the band members. Even when he played alongside Page at the 1992 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, there was no personal tension between them.
One thing is certain about Keith Richards—he’s never afraid to speak his mind. Whether talking about Led Zeppelin, his own music, or rock in general, he’s always been brutally honest. His long-running criticism of Led Zeppelin reflects his deep connection to what he believes rock music should be: raw, real, and straightforward.
Led Zeppelin’s legacy is still secure as one of the greatest rock bands in history, but Richards’ opinions remind us that even among music legends, there will always be different perspectives. His comments weren’t about bitterness; they were just his honest view of what he thought rock music should be.
