If you don’t know the blues… there’s no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music.
Meaning of the quote
To truly understand and play music, you need to know the blues. The blues is the foundation of rock and roll and many other popular music styles. If you don't have a deep understanding of the blues, you won't be able to fully connect with or express yourself through the guitar or other instruments. It's like trying to build a house without understanding the importance of the foundation - it just won't work.
About Keith Richards
Keith Richards, a legendary English musician and co-founder of the Rolling Stones, has had an extraordinary career spanning over six decades. Known for his iconic guitar playing, songwriting, and captivating persona, Richards has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music.
More quotes from Keith Richards
You’ve got the sun, you’ve got the moon, and you’ve got the Rolling Stones.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
I look for ambiguity when I’m writing because life is ambiguous.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
If you’re going to kick authority in the teeth, you might as well use two feet.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
I only get ill when I give up drugs.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
I’ve always been suspicious of TV, I’ve always found music and video to be an unhappy marriage.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
Good music comes out of people playing together, knowing what they want to do and going for it. You have to sweat over it and bug it to death. You can’t do it by pushing buttons and watching a TV screen.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
It’s an addiction… and addiction is something I should know something about.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
The Stones in a club is still the ultimate rush.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
To me, as long as we’ve known each other, I’ve always thought Mick’s most brilliant thing was that he could work in an area two foot square and give a very exciting performance.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
The only things Mick and I disagree about is the band, the music and what we do.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
I’ve never had a problem with drugs. I’ve had problems with the police.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
To make a rock’n’roll record, technology is the least important thing.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
When I listen to what I did under the influence – 10 years of work – I don’t think it either enhanced or impaired me. It didn’t have that much to do with it.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
I never thought I was wasted, but I probably was.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
Let me be clear about this. I don’t have a drug problem. I have a police problem.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
There’s no substitute for live work to keep a band together.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
Rock and Roll: Music for the neck downwards.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
If you don’t know the blues… there’s no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
Everyone talks about rock these days; the problem is they forget about the roll.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
I have no idea what the audience makes of me.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
Hey, we just enjoy it. I think we think we’re getting the hang of this thing, you know?
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
It’s good to be anywhere.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones
It’s great to be here. It’s great to be anywhere.
British musician, guitarist of the Rolling Stones