Why Keith Richards Disliked Oasis

At the beginning of their career, many people likely thought The Rolling Stones were a bunch of ne’er-do-wells with a modicum of talent. Anytime a band comes in with as much passion and personality as the Stones displayed right from the onset, there are going to be some that brush them off as haughty rock stars with something to prove.

Decades into their tenure, the Stones have transformed from that burgeoning rock group with a chip on their shoulders into legendary musicians. No one questions their artistry or their intentions. They’ve earned the right to be undisputedly adored.

Despite going through that evolution themselves, it didn’t stop Keith Richards from pushing back at the younger generation of rockers–or at least one group in particular. Richards has gone on record several times citing his dislike of Oasis. The Gallagher brothers and co. certainly do not have spotless reputations, so one could probably guess why Richards had a problem with them. But, if you want specifics, read more about the Stones guitarist’s beef, below.

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Why Keith Richards Disliked Oasis

Many people fault Oasis for being braggarts and hot heads. Moreover, that reputation often clouds their musical accomplishments. For many, bringing up their name instantly recalls the titular brothers’ in-fighting that caused their breakup.

Richards’ opinions of the band is much the same–at least one point. He once called the outfit “obnoxious.” It’s a term that has likely been attributed to Oasis a time or two. The guitarist called on the group to “grow up” and to come back when they had mellowed out a bit. Elsewhere, he slighted their musicianship.

“These guys are just obnoxious,” Richards once said. “Grow up and then come back and see if you can hang. I don’t hear anything there; it’s all just retro to me. But there is an element of pity.”

But, Richards didn’t just jab the band in the press, Noel Gallagher once talked about a moment when he and the Stones member met face to face. Richards hit him with a pretty cutting greeting.

“I go up to the bar and there’s Keith Richards, looking exactly as you would imagine, scarf and a hat,” Noel Gallagher once explained. “He suddenly turns around and says, ‘Ah, you’re still around, are you?’ … His second line was, ‘One thing I’ve always wanted to ask you: Who is the bigger c***, your singer or mine?’”

What do you think? Do you agree with Richards? Or were the strong personalities in Oasis part of their charm?

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