Getting the dynamic of a band just right isn’t an easy feat. Groups will go through several lineups before finding “the one”–and they might even go through several after that. Keeping the same people in a creative partnership for decades is seemingly impossible. Though the Rolling Stones have managed to become one of the longest-standing rock bands of all time, instruments often changed hands. There was one loss that hit Keith Richards particularly hard. Find out which Rolling Stones member Richards hated to see leave the band, below.
Videos by American Songwriter
The Rolling Stones Member Keith Richards Hated to See Leave The Band
Yeah, you got satin shoes
Yeah, you got plastic boots
Y’all got cocaine eyes
Yeah, you got speed freak jive, now
Can’t you hear me knockin’
On your window?
Can’t you hear me knockin’
On your door?
Can’t you hear me knockin’
Down your dirty street?
After the loss of the founding guitarist Brian Jones, the Stones were forced to find someone to replace him. While we’re sure that was a fickle task, they ultimately landed on Mick Taylor, who would prove to be a favorable choice.
Richards and Taylor’s playing just worked well together. They both favored bluesy melodies and delivered a helping of energy to the Stones’ songs. It was a match made in heaven, although it didn’t last very long.
Taylor ultimately decided to leave the Stones, attempting to forge a solo career. Though his post-Stones career wasn’t as high profile, he remained a revered guitarist. Though Taylor was likely satisfied with the move, Richards still feels like his fellow guitarist left the group prematurely.
Richards: “I Never Understood Why He Left”
“His touch and his tone and his melodic ideas wow me,” Richards once said. “I never understood why he left. He’s always been a little restless and a little uneasy inside his skin. If he had to leave, I’d always hoped it would be to go on to bigger and better things than he did. I thought it was an impetuous move. But that’s what happened, and then we got Ronnie.”
As Richards points out in the quote above, Taylor’s departure made way for Ronnie Wood. Wood became equally as beloved in the Stones’ lineup, so alls well that ends well. Though, it would’ve been interesting to see where the band would’ve ended up if Taylor remained in their ranks.
Help me, baby, ain’t no stranger
Help me, baby, ain’t no stranger
Help me, baby, ain’t no stranger
Can’t you hear me knockin’?
Ahh, are you safe asleep?
Can’t you hear me knockin’?
Yeah, down the gas light street, now
Can’t you hear me knockin’?
Yeah, throw me down the keys
Alright now
(Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.