The Guitarist Bruce Springsteen Thought Was Leagues Above Everyone Else

It’s always interesting to see which musicians our favorite musicians admire. At one point, they were all like us: music lovers with a short list of top songs, artists, and albums. That short list then becomes a jumping off point for creations of their own. It’s a fascinating trend to follow.

Even an artist as legendary as Bruce Springsteen had to get inspiration from somewhere. According to the icon, an early source of inspiration was Keith Richards and his mystifying guitar playing. Springsteen reportedly was never the same after hearing the Rolling Stones guitarist on “It’s All Over Now.” Learn more about Springsteen’s affinity for Richards, below.

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The Guitarist Bruce Springsteen Thought Was Leagues Above Everyone Else

Well, baby used to stay out all night long
She made me cry, she done me wrong
She hurt my eyes open, that’s no lie
Tables turn and now her turn to cry

Because I used to love her, but it’s all over now
Because I used to love her, but it’s all over now

“I’ve come across many spirit-filled folk in my travels, but no one as spectrally beautiful as Keith Richards,” Springsteen once said.

“Spectrally beautiful” is a powerful descriptor–one that quickly sums up Springsteen’s sheer love of Richards and his playing. He’s certainly not alone in that opinion. Richards has long been considered one of rock’s premiere guitarists. He has undoubtedly inspired many burgeoning instrumentalists to pick up their own guitar.

There was one Stones song in particular that moved Springsteen forward in his musical journey: “It’s All Over Now.” Richards playing was so powerful in this track, according to Springsteen, that he rushed home and began to attempt to recreate it. It became the first solo Springsteen ever learned.

“‘It’s All Over Now’ held a special place for me because when I got thrown out of my first band, I went home that night and I was pissed off, so I said ‘All right I’m going to be a lead guitar player,’” Springsteen once said. “And for some reason that solo felt like something I might be able to manage. I put the record on and I sat there all night until I was able to scrape up some relatively decent version of Keith’s solo. It was a very important record for me as it was the first solo I ever learned.”

Revisit “It’s All Over Now,” below.

Well, I used to wake in the morning, get my breakfast in bed
When I’d gotten worried she’d ease my aching head
But now she’s here and there, with every man in town
Still trying to take me for that same old clown

Because I used to love her, but it’s all over now
Because I used to love her, but it’s all over now
Because I used to love her, but it’s all over now
Because I used to love her, but it’s all over now