Bruce Springsteen—better known to millions as The Boss—has long been a staple of American rock. Famous for his electrifying, hours-long concerts and everyman appeal, Springsteen’s name is practically synonymous with heartland rock. But not everyone’s a fan. In fact, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has made it clear he’s not buying the hype.

In his 2010 autobiography Life, Richards didn’t hold back when critiquing fellow artists like Elton John and Prince—and Springsteen got a jab of his own. “If there was anything better around, he’d still be working the bars of New Jersey,” Richards wrote, taking aim at both Springsteen’s rise and staying power.

This wasn’t just a throwaway insult. Richards has long questioned Springsteen’s style and performance choices. In a 1988 interview with Rolling Stone, he famously took issue with Springsteen’s epic-length concerts. “I think four-hour shows are way over the top,” Richards said. “To me, a great rock & roll act does twenty minutes.” He went on to praise old-school performers like Jackie Wilson and Joe Tex, arguing that modern shows are often “self-indulgent.”

Richards did clarify that his criticism wasn’t personal—he’s got respect for Springsteen as a person. But when it comes to the music? “Bruce? That’s a tough one because I like the guy. But the music… I don’t know. To me, it’s pretentious,” he said.

Despite the digs, Springsteen has never fired back. He’s shared the stage with The Rolling Stones multiple times and continues doing what he does best: putting on legendary performances for fans around the world.

Whether Richards’ critiques come from old-school purism or just personal taste, Springsteen doesn’t seem to mind. If anything, the criticism only adds to his mythos—proof that even legends have their skeptics, and true rock & roll doesn’t need everyone’s approval to endure.