In the world of rock ‘n’ roll, few names shine as brightly as Keith Richards. The iconic guitarist from The Rolling Stones has been in a lifelong love affair with his instrument, and even as he approaches the grand old age of 80, he shows no signs of cooling off.
Richards possesses a staggering collection of over a thousand guitars. But here’s the kicker: he plays only a select few of them on stage.
It’s like having a closet full of shoes but only wearing the most comfortable pair. When you’re a legend, you get to be picky.
Arthritis and the Price of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Life
The rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle isn’t always kind to the human body, and Richards’ hands have borne the brunt of it. He now grapples with arthritis, a condition that would deter most guitarists. But this Rolling Stone isn’t your average musician.
Richards acknowledges that arthritis has left its mark, but he doesn’t let it keep him down.
There’s a silver lining to this cloud, and it’s not just in his hair. He admits, “I’ve no doubt it has [affected my playing], but I don’t have any pain: it’s a sort of benign version.” It’s almost as if his arthritis understands who it’s dealing with and decided to go easy on the living legend.
The guitarist doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that he’s gotten older. He jests, “I think if I’ve slowed down a little bit, it’s probably due more to age.” Well, they say age comes to all of us, even rock gods.
Richards offers an intriguing perspective on how he copes with the changes in his playing due to arthritis. He’s not one to wallow in self-pity; instead, he embraces the challenge.
The Rolling Stones’ Fiery Comeback
Even with arthritis trying to slow him down, Keith Richards and The Rolling Stones show no signs of stopping. They’ve just dropped their latest studio album, “Hackney Diamonds,” their first collection of original songs in 18 years.
Richards shares the spark behind returning to the studio after almost two decades of waiting. It took Mick Jagger’s suggestion at the end of the band’s 60th-anniversary tour to finally ignite the fire.
The guitar legend reveals, “And for the first time, it hit me in the right spot because I’ve always wanted to record the band as soon after they get off the road as possible because then the band is lubricated.”
The album is certainly not one for the faint-hearted. Track titles like “Angry” and “Live by the Sword” suggest it’s an antagonist album. Its title, “Hackney Diamonds,” is London slang for the beads of shattered glass on the street after a smash-and-grab.
But Richards clears up a few things, especially when it comes to the lyrics. “Mick writes the lyrics,” he says, “But he’s got some angst in him, and I said, ‘Well, let’s use it because the singer has to want to sing the material.'”
When it came to creating the album, simplicity was the name of the game. “In the age of digital and AI, there’s something profoundly satisfying about the tactile experience of vinyl.
Richards is quite the vinyl evangelist, exclaiming, “It’s by far the best sound if you really want to listen to a record. I mean, digital is a toy town. You use synthesizers.”
When Legends Collide: Gaga and Wonder
“Hackney Diamonds” isn’t short on star power. Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder make guest appearances. And where do you find such legendary collaborators? In Los Angeles, of course.
As Richards humorously notes, “Which is the thing that only happens when you record in LA, haha: guess who’s dropped by!” But it’s not just their star power that makes them stand out.
Richards has high praise for Lady Gaga: “I love working with her because she has a great attitude towards things and a great voice.” He even hints at the ultimate showdown – a duet with Mick Jagger. Let the music gods unite!
