Reader here, and it’s a big day for Rolling Stones fans like myself, as legendary Stones guitarist Keith Richards is marking another trip around the sun, as he turns 82 years young today!
It’s hard to believe that after all these years, Keef keeps on going, like a hard-livin’ Energizer Bunny!
If you haven’t read his autobiography, “Life,” you really should – it’s awesome!
The book chronicles all of the highs and lows, from his earliest meeting with Mick Jagger when they were kids, to their high school meeting on a train platform, where they discovered their mutual love of the Blues, that led them to join forces to create one of the greatest rock bands of all-time, and one of the most formidable and prolific songwriting duos, possibly second only to Lennon and McCartney. The journey continues through the Stones’ meteoric rise, their scrapes with the law (including Keith’s 1977 heroin bust in Toronto that almost brought him down for good), his battles with drugs, the discovery of the “Open-G” tuning that helped him come up with some of the most iconic and recognizable riffs ever, his romantic relationships, from Anita Pallenberg to his long-time wife Patti Hansen, and his life as a Dad and Granddad. Oh, and he also had some comments about his fellow “Glimmer Twin” Jagger, that didn’t go over so well with Sir Mick.
But they long ago buried the hatchet, and have continued to write and record, with their most recent album, 2024’s “Hackney Diamonds” picking up a Grammy for Best Rock Album!
Apparently, they’re almost finished their next album, and had been looking at touring the U.K. and Europe in the summer of 2026, but those plans are on hold, as Keith wasn’t feeling so sure he’d be able to physically handle the tour commitment.
That’s so weird to hear that from Keith, as for so long, he’s basically seemed indestructible, considering how he’s survived ingesting seemingly every substance known to humankind, and come out the other side no worse for wear!
But, you can’t stop Father Time, and it’s only inevitable that even the mighty Keef may have to slow things down a bit. A health nut like Mick, he’s not!
Over the years, he’s had so many memorable tunes, both with the Stones and on his own. Of course, there’s perhaps his signature song, “Happy,” from the legendary “Exile on Main St.” album.
Keith always says the great thing about playing “Happy?” It makes you FEEL happy!
But he’s also had some successful solo soujourns, including one of my favourites, “Take It So Hard”
A man who mixes all of his musical influences, from Rock, Blues and Jazz, to Country, Reggae and everything in between, Keith Richards has created some of the greatest music ever, and I hope he’s able to continue for years to come. Happy Birthday, Keith!
I’ll close off by sharing Keef’s classic cover of a rockin’ Christmas classic by one of his heroes and biggest influences, Chuck Berry. This’ll get you moving! Enjoy!
Comments