Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
In a new Billboard cover story, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards said he would much rather listen to something created from genuine originality than music produced with artificial intelligence, echoing Mick Jagger’s views on AI.
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards recently shared their views on artificial intelligence in music, explaining where they believe the technology should—and shouldn’t—be used.
Speaking in a new Billboard cover story, the Rolling Stones legends discussed AI after incorporating deepfake technology into the music video for “In the Stars,” a track from the band’s latest album, Foreign Tongues.
Jagger, 82, said the band enjoyed experimenting with the technology for the video because it was used in a limited and creative way. He explained that the performers in the video were real musicians playing together, while AI was only used to replace their faces with younger versions resembling the Rolling Stones during the late 1960s.
Richards, also 82, described the project as the band’s first real experience with AI. He joked that seeing a younger version of himself on screen was flattering and suggested that technology like this works best as a visual effect for music videos rather than as a tool for creating songs.
When it comes to songwriting and recording, however, Richards made it clear he prefers genuine creativity over computer-generated material. He said he would rather listen to music that offers fresh ideas instead of compositions designed to imitate existing artists or styles. While he acknowledged that AI may be capable of recreating the work of legendary composers, he questioned the value of simply reproducing what already exists.
Richards added that music should continue to evolve through originality rather than endless imitation. In his view, artists should focus on creating something new instead of relying on technology to recycle familiar sounds.
Jagger echoed those concerns, saying he has no interest in artificial intelligence replicating either his voice or his instrumental style. He also stressed that the Rolling Stones do not want AI-generated recordings circulating that closely mimic the band’s sound, believing that such use of the technology crosses an important creative line.
