Mastodon guitarist Bill Kelliher revealed his thoughts on legendary rock and metal bands, saying The Rolling Stones aren’t as good as they used to be, but Iron Maiden are still at the top of their game.
In an interview with Ultimate Guitar, Kelliher praised Iron Maiden and Metallica for staying incredible live despite their age. He pointed out that Iron Maiden still put on high-energy performances, with Bruce Dickinson leading the way. “They give me hope. I don’t want to be 70 in spandex doing splits, but I know it’s possible because I’ve seen them do it,” he said.
He also talked about Metallica’s work ethic, recalling how they rehearse for hours before every show. “When we toured with them, they would practice for at least an hour and a half before playing for two hours. That’s dedication,” he said, adding that James Hetfield was a big influence on his guitar playing.
Kelliher also reflected on how learning music has changed over the years. He admitted that he sometimes forgets how to play old Mastodon songs and relies on YouTube to relearn them. “When I was a kid, I’d sit for hours learning a Metallica riff. Now, I don’t have the time,” he said.
While praising Iron Maiden and Metallica, Kelliher wasn’t as impressed with The Rolling Stones. “You’re never too old to rock, except if you’re The Rolling Stones,” he joked. “They’re just a little too old to rock.”
