Rolling Stones legend Keith Richards didn’t hold back in a 2015 Rolling Stone interview when he labeled Led Zeppelin’s sound “a little hollow” all while praising Jimmy Page as “one of the best guitar players ever known”.
Did Keith Richards really diss Led Zeppelin’s sound?
When asked about his sharp take, Richards said:
I love Jimmy Page, but as a band, no … with John Bonham thundering down the highway in an uncontrolled 18-wheeler… Jimmy is a brilliant player but… a little hollow about it.”
How did Jimmy Page respond?
Led Zeppelin’s axeman Jimmy Page went calm and classy in Classic Rock:
“Keith can say what he wants. He’s Keith Richards… I respect his playing… I’m not sure what he means by calling Led Zeppelin hollow… I think he’s got tongue in his cheek. What we did was really cool.”
His diplomatic reply shut down any drama and kept the rock respect alive.
Keith Richards sparked controversy with his “hollow” comment, but Jimmy Page’s cool-headed reaction showed nothing but mutual admiration, a power-packed moment in rock history.
