Keith Richards: his most insightful quotes
18 December 2024, 11:51
Celebrate the Rolling Stone's life and career as he turns 81 years old... with his greatest words of wisdom.
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Keith Richards was born in Dartford, Kent, on 18th December 1943. As guitarist with The Rolling Stones, he's become one of the most legendary musicians of the past half-century. Here's the Gospel According To Keef.
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"Some things get better with age. Like me."
Keith Richards performing in Berlin, 2003. Picture: Alamy -
“After food, air, water and warmth, music is the next necessity of life.”
Keith Richards pictured in 1992. Picture: Scott Weiner/MediaPunch/Alamy -
"The idea of retiring is like killing yourself"
To the BBC, 2005
The Rolling Stones announcing their new album Hackney Diamonds in September 2023. Picture: Li/Picture Capital/Alamy Live News -
“Everyone talks about rock these days; the problem is they forget about the roll.”
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Picture: Alamy -
“I’ve been through more cold turkeys than there are freezers.”
Life, 2010
Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, 1977. Picture: AP Photo/Alamy -
"I've never had a problem with drugs. I’ve had problems with the police.”
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards leave court after being charged with drug possession, 1967. Picture: Alamy -
“My life is full of broken halos.”
Keith Richards in Paris, 1984. Picture: Alamy -
“I’m not getting old - I'm evolving.”
To The Sun, 2015
Keith Richards in Toronto, 2015. Picture: Marta Iwanek/The Canadian Press via AP/Alamy -
"A painter’s got a canvas. The writer’s got reams of empty paper. A musician has silence.”
Keith Richards in September 2003. Picture: Alamy -
"Fame has killed more very talented guys than drugs.”
Keith with Anita Pallenberg and their son Marlon in June 1973. Picture: © Keystone Press Agency/Keystone USA via ZUMAPRESS.comAlamy -
“Some doctor told me I had six months to live and I went to their funeral.”
Keith Richards in Brussels, 1976. Picture: Alamy -
"If you are going to get wasted, then get wasted elegantly."
Keith Richards in October 1978. Picture: AP Photo/Blaise Edwards/Alamy -
"The key to survival was that I paced myself. I never really overdid it. Well, I shouldn't say never; sometimes I was absolutely comatose."
Life, 2010
Keith Richards onstage with the Rolling Stones, Rotterdam, October 1973. Picture: Gijsbert Hanekroot/Alamy -
"If you're going to kick authority in the teeth, you might as well use two feet."
Keith Richards onstage in New York, 2022. Picture: Anthony Behar/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News