Introduction
Mick Jagger Opens Up About Keith Richards at 81: “He Wasn’t Always the Easiest Partner”
At 81, Mick Jagger shows no signs of holding back — not in music, and certainly not in his opinions. In a recent interview, the legendary Rolling Stones frontman offered surprisingly candid reflections on his decades-long relationship with bandmate Keith Richards — and some of his words were undeniably sharp.
“Keith has never been easy to work with,” Jagger admitted bluntly. “He’s stubborn, often disorganized, and constantly challenged just about every decision I made. It used to drive me crazy.”
Jagger went on to explain that over the more than sixty years they’ve worked together, there were many times he felt “held back” by Keith. Creative differences, clashes over direction, and even personal tensions led to long stretches where the two barely spoke — despite sharing the same stage night after night.
“I’m not saying Keith is a bad person,” Jagger clarified. “But if anyone thinks working with him is smooth sailing, they’ve clearly never tried.”
Despite the biting honesty, there was also an undercurrent of respect in Jagger’s words — a recognition of the undeniable impact Richards has had on both his career and the legacy of the band.
“No matter how difficult things got between us, Keith is still an irreplaceable part of this band’s history. Without him, there would be no Rolling Stones as we know them.”
It’s clear that at 81, Mick Jagger is less interested in sugarcoating the past and more focused on telling it as it was — raw, real, and complicated. His reflections may sound like harsh criticism, but in truth, they offer a rare, honest glimpse into the tension-fueled chemistry that helped shape one of the most iconic musical partnerships in history.
In the end, Jagger’s words aren’t just a “slam” — they’re a testament to the fiery, imperfect, and unforgettable bond between two men who helped change the face of rock ‘n’ roll forever.