Rock icon, whose life was shaped by drug use, turns eight decades old today
Mick Jagger, Ron Woods, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts
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247 Keith Richards, legendary Rolling Stones guitarist, celebrates his 80th birthday and remains active in the rock scene. Born in Dartford, Kent, in 1943, Richards has been a rock icon since the 1960s, known for his relationship with drugs and music. Contrary to previous predictions about his health, he continues to make music and surprise fans and critics. According to a Deutsche Welle report, in 1973 New Musical Express magazine predicted that Richards would be the most likely rock star to die the following year, but he defied those expectations. Fifty years later, Richards has not only reached the 80year mark, but remains active in the music industry, releasing the album “Hackney Diamonds” with the Rolling Stones in 2023 alongside Ronnie Wood and Mick Jagger.
From a young age, Richards showed an interest in music, influenced by Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. His mother bought him his first guitar as a child, and he excelled in the school choir and even sang for Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey. However, his interest in Chuck Berry's music led him down a more rebellious path, culminating in his expulsion from school for absenteeism. His partnership with Mick Jagger began in 1961 and led to the formation of the Rolling Stones in 1962, one of the most influential bands in history, with more than 200 million records sold.
Richards played a crucial role in the creation of iconic albums such as Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main Street between 1968 and 1973. His collaboration with Mick Jagger resulted in the most songs in the Stones' catalogue, comparable to the Stones' LennonMcCartney duo. Beatles. However, his drug use almost ended his career and his life prematurely. During the 1970s, Richards faced several legal problems due to his heroin use, but by the end of the decade he managed to break free from the addiction. He quit smoking in 2019 and cocaine use in 2006 after an infamous incident involving his father's ashes.
In addition to the Stones, Richards had solo projects and appearances in films, such as the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. His approach to fame and age is characterized by a sense of humor and an acceptance of age. Unlike other musicians of their generation, he and Jagger decided not to sell their music catalog. Richards finds the aging process fascinating and maintains a positive outlook on life well into her 80s. Check out the video for the song Happy, one of his biggest hits:
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