Keith Richards: his most insightful quotes

18 December 2021, 12:00

Celebrate the Rolling Stone's life and career with his greatest words of wisdom.

Keith Richards was born in Dartford, Kent, on 18 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.

1. "Some things get better with age. Like me."

   

2. “After food, air, water and warmth, music is the next necessity of life.”

   

3. "The idea of retiring is like killing yourself"

   To the BBC, 2005

   

4. “Everyone talks about rock these days; the problem is they forget about the roll.”

   

5. “I’ve been through more cold turkeys than there are freezers.”

   Life, 2010

   

6. “My life is full of broken halos.”

   

7. "I've never had a problem with drugs. I’ve had problems with the police.”

   

8. “I’m not getting old - I'm evolving.”

   To The Sun, 2015

   

9. "A painter’s got a canvas. The writer’s got reams of empty paper. A musician has silence.”

   

10. "Fame has killed more very talented guys than drugs.”

    

11. “Some doctor told me I had six months to live and I went to their funeral.”

    

12. "If you are going to get wasted, then get wasted elegantly."

    

13. "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

    

14. "If you're going to kick authority in the teeth, you might as well use two feet."