Keith Richards Calls Pop Music ‘Cheap’ and Slams Rap Music

In a new wide-ranging interview discussing his new album and his storied life, Rolling Stones rocker Keith Richards took aim at a large swath of the musical landscape.

"It's always been rubbish. I mean, that's the point of it. They make it as cheap and as easy as possible and therefore it always sounds the same; there’s very little feel in it," he said in an interview with The Telegraph. "I like to hear music by people playing instruments. That is, I don't like to hear plastic synthesized Muzak, as it used to be known, what you hear in ­elevators, which is now the par for the course."

He didn't mince his words about rap music either, saying: "I don't really like to hear people yelling at me and telling me it’s music, AKA rap. I can get enough of that without ­leaving my house."

Does he worry about cancel culture? The short answer: No.

 "I mean, there's some things you can't do anymore because people are frightened. They're frightened of saying the wrong thing," Richards continued. "They're frightened of upsetting anybody. Fear will do amazing things to people."

What is Keith Richards doing now?

Richards did the interview to promote his Hackney Diamonds, the first Rolling Stones album of new material in eighteen years. Set to release on October 20, it will feature 12 tracks and guests including Lady Gaga, Elton John, Paul McCartney and original Stones bassist Bill Wyman.

 "I've never ever not had fun recording, but this one had real urgency and energy," says Richards. "We blitzkrieged that thing."

How old is Keith Richards?

Richards turns 80 in December. He'll be spending it on an epic trip with his wife Patti Hansen since it will also commemorate their 40th wedding anniversary.

"She thinks she's taking me to Africa for my birthday, but I'm looking at it as taking my wife to Africa for the anniversary. And the whole family. Either way, we're going to safari the damn thing through," he shared.

As for his thoughts on aging: "I'm getting along with the idea of being 80, and still walking, still talking. I find [aging] a fascinating process. But then if you didn't, you might as well commit suicide."