Rolling Stones Draw the Line on AI: No Deepfake Imitations, But Deepfakes for Music Videos Are Fair Game

The Rolling Stones are making headlines again, but this time it’s about artificial intelligence and creative rights rather than sold-out stadium tours. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards sat down with Billboard to discuss their stance on AI in the music industry, and their position is surprisingly nuanced. Both legendary musicians are firmly against AI being used to imitate their vocal and instrumental styles without consent or compensation. Jagger was explicit about his concerns, stating that he doesn’t want people creating AI versions of The Rolling Stones that sound exactly like them. Richards echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that if musicians are going to use AI, it should create something original rather than copying existing artists. The band’s position addresses one of the biggest ongoing debates in the music industry right now: how should AI be regulated when it comes to protecting artists’identities and creative work?

Here’s where the story gets interesting: The Rolling Stones aren’t completely opposed to AI technology. They recently used deepfake technology to create their‘In the Stars’music video, where artificial intelligence superimposed their younger faces over real performers on an actual set. Richards joked that AI might finally be good for something in the music industry, adding that he’s always been skeptical about music videos overshadowing the actual music anyway. This seeming contradiction highlights the complexity of the AI debate. It’s not about rejecting technology outright; it’s about how that technology is applied and whether it respects artists’rights and creative integrity.

The broader implication of the Stones’stance is that the music industry needs clear guidelines for AI usage. As more artists and record labels grapple with deepfakes, voice synthesis, and other AI applications, the conversation about consent, compensation, and creative originality becomes increasingly urgent. The Rolling Stones’63-year career has seen them adapt to every major technological shift, from electric guitars to digital recording to streaming. Their willingness to experiment with AI in selective ways while drawing boundaries elsewhere suggests that artists don’t have to choose between innovation and protection. What’s your take on where the line should be with AI in music? Let us know in the comments.