Keith Richards Reflects on Chuck Berry: The Punch Heard 'Round the World
Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist of the Rolling Stones, reminisces about the time when his hero Chuck Berry punched him in the face. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Richards praises Berry's music and influence on his own musical journey. The Rolling Stones' first single was a cover of Berry's song "Come On," and their upcoming album, Foreign Tongues, includes a cover of Berry's "Beautiful Delilah."
Richards recalls the incident when Berry punched him in the 60s for trying to touch his guitar without permission. Despite the punch, Richards admires Berry's naturalness and talent as a musician. He humorously refers to the punch as Chuck Berry's "greatest hit" and has shared different versions of the story over the years.
The upcoming album, Foreign Tongues, was recorded at Metropolis Studios in London and produced by Andrew Watt. It features guest appearances by music icons like Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, and Steve Winwood. The album is set to be released on July 10 through Polydor/Universal Music.
Keith Richards' encounter with Chuck Berry serves as a reminder of the impact that musical legends can have on each other. The story of the punch adds a humorous anecdote to the rich history of rock and roll. Berry's influence on Richards and the Rolling Stones is evident in their music and enduring legacy.