Keith Richards: Rap music is for "tone-deaf people"

Keith Richards had a lot to say about the music industry in a new interview with the New York Daily News.

In it, he complained about the state of rock music, said rap music is for "tone-deaf people" and criticized Black Sabbath and Metallica.

"Rap -- so many words, so little said," the 71-year-old guitarist said laughing, adding, "What rap did that was impressive was to show there are so many tone-deaf people out there," he says. "All they need is a drum beat and somebody yelling over it and they're happy. There's an enormous market for people who can't tell one note from another."

Richards isn't thrilled with rock music either these days.

"It sounds like a dull thud to me," he said. "For most bands, getting the syncopation is beyond them. It's endless thudding away, with no bounce, no lift, no syncopation."

And forget about heavy metal.

"Millions are in love with Metallica and Black Sabbath," the Rolling Stones rocker said. "I just thought they were great jokes."

He had more things to say about the Beatles and the Who. Interestingly enough, Daily News writer Jim Farber pointed out that, during their interview, Richards followed every insult with a wink.

Richards' new solo album -- his first in 23 years -- comes out on Sept. 18.

Go here for the NYDN piece.