Keith Richards: his best ever quotes
18 December 2020, 07:00 | Updated: 18 December 2020, 13:20
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.
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"Some things get better with age. Like me."
Keith Richards in 2018. Picture: Theo Wargo/Getty Images -
“After food, air, water and warmth, music is the next necessity of life.”
Keith Richards in 1967. Picture: Cyrus Andrews/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
"The idea of retiring is like killing yourself"
To the BBC, 2005
The Rolling Stones perform at Twickenham Stadium, 2018. Picture: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images -
“Everyone talks about rock these days; the problem is they forget about the roll.”
Keith Richards in New York, 1980. Picture: George Rose/Getty Images -
“I’ve been through more cold turkeys than there are freezers.”
Life, 2010
Keith Richards in 1974. Picture: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
“My life is full of broken halos.”
Keith Richards in Paris, 1984. Picture: Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images -
"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: Getty -
“I’m not getting old - I'm evolving.”
To The Sun, 2015
Keith Richards in Toronto, 2015. Picture: Jemal Countess/Getty Images -
"A painter’s got a canvas. The writer’s got reams of empty paper. A musician has silence.”
Keith Richards in California, 2004. Picture: Lee Celano/WireImage/Getty Images -
"Fame has killed more very talented guys than drugs.”
Keith Richards in 1974. Picture: Graham Wiltshire/Redferns/Getty Images -
“Some doctor told me I had six months to live and I went to their funeral.”
Keith Richards in Brussels, 1976. Picture: Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns/Getty Images -
"If you are going to get wasted, then get wasted elegantly."
Keith Richards in 1977. Picture: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
"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 shortly after his arrest in Toronto for heroin possession, 1978. Picture: Michael Putland/Getty Images -
"If you're going to kick authority in the teeth, you might as well use two feet."
The Rolling Stones shoot the video for It's Only Rock n' Roll (But I Like It) in June 1974. Picture: Michael Putland/Getty Images