Keith Richards responds to Eric Clapton’s skepticism of vaccines: ‘Do what the doctor says’
There’s Kobe Beef, Well Done Beef, and now the Legendary Guitarist Beef.
That’s right, acclaimed Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has responded to British-born six-string player Eric Clapton’s vaccine skepticism.
For the past two years or so during the pandemic, Clapton has been as outspoken as anyone about his vaccine skepticism. Indeed, he has in many ways become the face of the matter, for better or worse, alongside podcast host Joe Rogan and more.
That’s where Richards comes in. The musician said trust the doctors, trust the experts.
In a new interview with Rolling Stone music now podcast, Richards offered his perspective on vaccines, mandates and Clapton, saying, “I just want to get rid of this damn thing, and the only way I can see is everybody do what the doctor.”
Richards continued: “I love Eric a lot. I’ve known him forever and we’ve had our ups and downs… This COVID thing, it divides people and it sometimes derails people for a while, you know. I hope you think back here and do this thing.
Clapton, who has also teamed up with fellow high-profile singer Van Morrison, has become one of the biggest COVID-19 skeptics since 2020, even before the snaps became available. He was widely criticized for this, even Robert Plant commented on the situation saying, “Good old Eric. He didn’t like the jab, but he had the shot.
Clapton and Van Morrison even released the song “Stand and Deliver”, which had the lyrics, Do you want to be a free man/ Or do you want to be a slave? (Yikes!) Clapton also called pro-vaccine speeches “propaganda” and said he wouldn’t play in venues that required proof of vaccination. He said such a requirement would mean a “discriminated public”. He later broke that promise and performed in venues that required proof of health.
Other high-profile artists have criticized Clapton, as well as Plant, including Brian May who said, “Anti-vax, I’m sorry, I think they’re fruitcakes.” KISS frontman Gene Simmons was also very vocal about people not wanting to be vaccinated.
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for RS