Keith Richards: his most insightful quotes

18 December 2023, 6:00

Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones in 2013. Picture: Mick Gold/Redferns/Getty Images

Celebrate the Rolling Stone's life and career as he turns 80 years old... with his greatest words of wisdom.

By Radio X

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.

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

    Keith Richards performing in Berlin, 2003. Picture: Alamy

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

    Keith Richards pictured in 1992. Picture: Scott Weiner/MediaPunch/Alamy

  3. "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

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

    Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Picture: Alamy

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

    Life, 2010

    Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, 1977. Picture: AP Photo/Alamy

  6. "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

  7. “My life is full of broken halos.”

    Keith Richards in Paris, 1984. Picture: Alamy

  8. “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

  9. "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

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

    Keith Richards in 1972. Picture: Alamy

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

    Keith Richards in Brussels, 1976. Picture: Alamy

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

    Keith Richards in October 1978. Picture: AP Photo/Blaise Edwards/Alamy

  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

    Keith Richards onstage with the Rolling Stones, Rotterdam, October 1973. Picture: Gijsbert Hanekroot/Alamy

  14. "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