The Rolling Stones are back with a new album, ‘Hackney Diamonds,’ which will be released on October 20th. But the real mystery is how their legendary guitarist, Keith Richards, is still alive and kicking at the age of 79.
Richards has been notorious for his drug and alcohol abuse, which he admits he wouldn't recommend to anyone else. He tells Britain's Telegraph newspaper, “I’ve handled myself the way that I felt was necessary. And I think everybody else, if they did the same thing, might benefit from my advice: don’t worry too much!”
However, he has also quit some of his bad habits over the years. He says he gave up cigarettes in 2019, heroin in 1978, and cocaine in 2006. He still enjoys a drink occasionally, but he says he is trying to enjoy being straight. “It’s a unique experience for me,” he says.
Richards has also survived some health scares, such as brain surgery in 2006 after falling from a tree. He says he is "blessed" and has no real problem with getting old. He finds ageing a fascinating process and says he is looking forward to turning 80 on December 18th.
He plans to celebrate his birthday and his 40th wedding anniversary by going on safari with his family in Africa. He says he loves wildlife and nature, and hopes to see some elephants and lions.
One thing he doesn't love, however, is contemporary music. He says pop music has always been rubbish and he prefers to hear music by people playing instruments. He also has no appreciation for rap music, which he calls "yelling".
He says he doesn't care about being relevant or popular, and he just plays music for himself and his fans. He says he is grateful for the longevity and success of The Rolling Stones, who have been rocking for almost 60 years.
He says he doesn't know how long they will keep going, but he says he will never retire. “I don’t know what else to do,” he says. “Music is my life.”
[Source: Classic Hits Today]