Rolling Stones Demand Apology For Gig Review

Keith Richards is not happy…

by Jason Gregory
Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Rolling Stones Demand Apology For Gig Review

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has demanded that a Swedish newspaper apologise for a recent review of one of their gigs.

A journalist for the Aftonbladet newspaper gave the band’s show in Gothenburg on August 3rd two out of five stars, saying that Richards was "superdrunk" and "a bit confused" onstage during the performance.

After being shown translated versions of the review, Richard’s has hit back angrily in a letter to the newspaper.

He said: "This is a first! Never before have I risen to the bait of a bad review. But this time...I have to stand up...for our fans all over Sweden ... to say that you owe them, and us, an apology.”

"There were 56,000 people in Ullevi stadium who bought a ticket to our concert - and experienced a completely different show than the one you 'reviewed'.

"How dare you cheapen the experience for them - and for the hundreds of thousands of other people across Sweden who weren't at Ullevi and have only your 'review' to go on.”

He concluded: “Write the truth. It was a good show"

Despite Richards’ demand for an apology, Markus Larsson, the journalist who wrote the review, has stood by his comments, reports yahoomusic.

"I am not going to apologize for my subjective opinion,” explained Larsson. "It is Keith who should apologize. After all it costs around 1,000 kronor (US$145) to see a rock star who can hardly handle the (guitar) riff to 'Brown Sugar' any more."

The Rolling Stones wrapped up two years on the road on Sunday (August 26th) with a performance at the O2 Arena in London.

« Prev

See Yourself At Leeds Festival!... Next »

(7)

Here here. Always were nonsense. A manufactured boy band who’s first 7 hits were cover versions
~ by Liam Spence 8/29/2007

View 1 Reply

Its been all over for ten years why dont they just go away and live with the uber cash they ’ve scammed out of so many for so long peddling there black music by old white boys. Give it up Keith your not relevant anymore.......
~ by IAN 8/30/2007
Keef is right. I have seen the Stones 4 times and everytime it was brilliant and they are just getting better. I think this guy should keep his opinions to himself. And and keep his big mouth shut. The fans in Sweden who went to the gig know better. Keef is a brilliant guitarist and this reporter is saying this just to get more papers sold and make himself famous. Keef, just ignore him people like him are two-a-penny with there cheap empty remarks. Balmy
~ by PAUL BALM 8/30/2007
I am growing weary of the ”age discrimination” issue. As Keith himself once noted (and this is a paraphrase) ”No one made an issue of all the American Black bluesmen that played Europe in the 50s, 60s, and 70s over their ages. It’s the music folks.” As long as Keith and the Stones can still play, and they can, I will continue to support the band.
~ by Louis 8/30/2007
The guy was just doing his job. He is a critic after all. I like Keith and, although the Stones have rereleased the same album over and over again for the last 30 years, they do put on a good show. But the dude should not have to apologize just for writing his honest opinion. Come on, get over it Keith. Not everyone is going to kou tou to you just because of who you are. I’d think you would have developed thicker skin by now.
~ by Dan 8/30/2007