The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards recently opened up about his admiration for Chuck Berry and recalled a memorable encounter that ended with a punch.
Richards reflected on Berry’s early records and the profound influence they had on him. He then revealed how Chuck once punched him backstage for touching his guitar without permission.
“There’s something about those early records of Chuck Berry. They have an ease about them and a sophistication in a way, particularly in the lyrics, which always made me think that rock’n’roll didn’t always have to be the way that everyone used to think about it,” Richards said. “I loved his naturalness when he was playing, the way he moved – his whole body became part of the guitar. He made me focus on what was possible for me, at the time, which made my mother shell out for an electric guitar. I just felt a natural affinity for him, even though he was a cussed bugger.”
Richards then turned to the incident that has since become a well-known anecdote, explaining the circumstances that led to Berry’s swift reaction.
“He punched me once, years ago, in the 60s, I think. We were in his dressing room, I was having a peek at his guitar and I was just about to stroke it, and he went: ‘Nobody touches it!’ And bam!” Richards continued. “Quite right, Chuck! I would have done the same. I’ve never had to, but then I’ve never caught someone doing that.”
The remarks highlight Richards’ deep respect for Berry as a foundational figure in rock’n’roll. They also reflect his good-humored acceptance of the incident as a lesson in respecting a musician’s instrument.
The backstage punch, far from souring their bond, was just one chapter in a long and complex relationship. Their connection stretched across decades, marked by mutual admiration, creative tension, and a shared understanding of what the music truly meant.
Richards officiated Berry’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. The gesture spoke volumes about the depth of respect between the two men. It was a role that went beyond ceremony — Richards was, in many ways, one of the most qualified people on earth to stand up and honor Berry’s legacy.
Berry’s influence on Richards was not merely stylistic. It was foundational. Berry was among the first musicians to show Richards that rock’n’roll could be both sophisticated and natural at the same time. That quality was something Richards spent his entire career chasing in his own playing and songwriting.
The two first crossed paths in the early days of The Rolling Stones. Richards was still a young guitarist absorbing everything he could from the American artists who had shaped his musical imagination. Berry stood at the top of that list, and their encounters — however turbulent at times — left a permanent mark on Richards’ approach to the guitar.
Berry passed away in March 2017 at the age of 90. He is widely regarded as one of the architects of rock’n’roll. His guitar style, showmanship, and lyrical wit set a template that generations of musicians, Richards chief among them, built their careers upon.
Source: The Guardian
