The Difference That Drove a Wedge Between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards: “I Can’t Live Like That”

Though we’d like to think that our favorite bands are buddy-buddy all of the time, it’s not a realistic expectation. Spending every waking moment together out on the road can produce disastrous effects. With the added hurdle of creative differences in the studio, it’s a wonder any bands survive. One band that has managed to survive the test of time is The Rolling Stones.

The Stones are one of the longest touring bands of all time. However, despite their stellar track record, things haven’t always been smooth sailing for them. In fact, one key difference between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards nearly pulled the band apart.

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The Difference That Drove a Wedge Between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards: “I Can’t Live Like That”

Jagger and Richards make up the songwriting arm of the Stones. Their combined efforts have produced some of the greatest rock songs of all time. While they might have creative chemistry in the writer’s room, their personalities differ greatly. It nearly caused a monumental row at one point in their lengthy career.

According to Richards, Jagger liked to “have an angle” on everyone. He wasn’t content with letting things play out. In contrast, Richards kept his cards close to his chest. According to the guitarist, he has never been quick to suss someone out. This rather important difference in character reportedly caused issues between the songwriting partners.

“Mick likes to protect himself from everything,” Richards once said. “He’s always looking for an angle on people. I can’t live like that. I’d rather take someone at face value until they screw up, and it makes it difficult for me to get through to Mick because I know he wants to know what my angle is. So that’s where we hit the crunch.”

Other Differences

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Their personality differences weren’t the only reason Jagger and Richards got into it from time to time. Jagger’s intent to incorporate different genres also played on Richards’ nerves. While he was willing to compromise, he still wanted to have a say in the band’s trajectory.

His main point of contention was “Miss You”. The disco flavor of this song didn’t sit right with Richards. “Keith went mad, but it sounded great on the dance floor,” Stones drummer Charlie Watts once explained.

Despite their little tiffs, Jagger and Richards have a much better track record than most of their contemporaires. They’ve managed to see past their differences, focusing on doing what’s best for the Stones and their enduring career.

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