Rolling Stones' Keith Richards once had to get rid of Donald Trump, and now, he advises that America should get rid of him too.
Keith Richards Recalls Unpleasant First Meeting With Donald Trump
In a new interview, the rock icon revealed an encounter with the businessman turned politician nearly 30 years ago. In 1989, the Rolling Stones was in the middle of their 1989 "Steel Wheels Tour" to promote the album, Steel Wheels. For their concert in Atlantic City, the band had to work with Trump.
"He was the promoter for us in Atlantic City," the 74-year-old told the BBC. "[It was billed as] 'Donald Trump presents the Rolling Stones' [with the band's name written in miniature]."
In anger, Richards stabbed a table and demanded that they discontinue dealing with Trump. Now, he is urging the United States to do the same.
"Now America has to get rid of him," he added. "Don't say I didn't warn you!"
A 2016 interview with concert promoter Michael Cohl corroborates the story. He told the Los Angeles Times (via Yahoo!) that Richards even threatened to hurt Trump with his trusty blade if the businessman does not leave the band alone.
Unfortunately, the billionaire was the only promoter that Cohl could find.
"The band call me back, at which point Keith pulls out his knife and slams it on the table and says, 'What the hell do I have you for? Do I have to go over there and fire him myself?''" Cohl recalled.
At that point, the concert promoter gave up and said that they will no longer work with Trump.
Richards is not the only musician who publicly criticized the U.S. president. Recently, Bono of U2 also expressed doubts over the Trump's policies. Jay-Z, Cher, Madonna, and more have spoken up against the businessman/politician.
The Rolling Stones On Trump Using Their Song
The songwriter and guitarist also criticized the president's choice of song following his victory at the 2016 elections.
To recall, the Trump administration used the Rolling Stones' 1969 single "You Can't Always Get What You Want" during his campaign and after his victory speech.
The English musician says it was an odd choice considering the meaning behind the song.
"It's a funny song for a play-out song — a drowsy ballad about drugs in Chelsea! It's kind of weird," Richards explained. "He couldn't be persuaded to use something else."
The Rolling Stones will be going back on the road as part of their "No Filter Tour." The band will kick off the concert series on Thursday, May 17, in Dublin. They will also hold performances in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
Tickets are now available on the band's official website.
