Keith Richards Doesn’t Want To Have A Conflict Over Slavery Reference In The Rolling Stones Song

The Rolling Stones lead guitarist Keith Richards was interviewed by Los Angeles Times and explained the reason why the band doesn’t play one of their iconic songs anymore. Richards also drew attention to the real message behind this song.

The Rolling Stones released their 9th British and 11th American studio album entitled ‘Sticky Fingers’ on April 23, 1971. It was considered as the band’s going back to their roots and hit the charts all around the world. Some of its tracks such as ‘Brown Sugar,’ ‘Wild Horses,’ and ‘Can’t You Hear Me Knocking’ became very popular after the album’s release.

However, ‘Brown Sugar’s bold themes which are consisted of slavery, rape, interracial sex, cunnilingus, sadomasochism, lost virginity, and heroin were targeted by some people who thought that it carried racist messages. As one of the songwriters, The Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger stated that he had enough courage to write such kinds of taboo songs.

The Rolling Stones decided not to play ‘Brown Sugar’ during their concerts and it is left out on the band’s ongoing tour. As a response to the journalist’s question regarding their decision not to perform ‘Brown Sugar,’ Keith Richards highlighted that they had to remove the songs from their setlist to get rid of the possible conflicts over slavery. He added that it reflects ‘the horrors of slavery’ and he wants to play the song again in the near future.

In Richards’ words, he said:

“You picked up on that, huh? I don’t know. I’m trying to figure out with the sisters quite where the beef is. Didn’t they understand this was a song about the horrors of slavery? However, they’re trying to bury it.

At the moment I don’t want to get into conflicts with all of this shit but I’m hoping that we’ll be able to resurrect the babe in her glory somewhere along the track.”

You can listen to the song below.