Keith Richards is a renowned English musician widely recognized as the guitarist, secondary vocalist, and co-principal songwriter of the iconic rock band, the Rolling Stones. His enduring songwriting collaboration with Mick Jagger has significantly shaped the landscape of rock music. Spanning over six decades, Richards's distinctive guitar playing style has become synonymous with the band's legendary sound. His personal life, often attracting media attention for his relationships and struggles with drug use, further cemented his image as a countercultural icon.
1941: Eliza Richards Becomes Mayor
Keith Richards's paternal grandmother, Eliza Richards, served as the mayor of the Municipal Borough of Walthamstow in 1941.
December 1943: Birth of Keith Richards
Keith Richards was born in December 1943 at Livingston Hospital in Dartford, Kent, England.
December 1943: Birth of Keith Richards
Keith Richards was born in December 1943, marking the beginning of a life and career that would come to redefine rock and roll.
1954: Richards Family Moves
In 1954, both the Richards and Jagger families moved, separating the young Keith and Mick.
1955: Start of Dartford Technical High School
Keith Richards began attending Dartford Technical High School for Boys in 1955, where his musical journey continued.
1959: Expulsion and Transfer to Sidcup Art College
After being expelled from Dartford Tech for truancy in 1959, Keith Richards enrolled at Sidcup Art College, a pivotal moment where his focus shifted more towards music, particularly guitar.
1962: Brian Jones Joins the Rolling Stones
Brian Jones's arrival in 1962 marked the start of a dynamic guitar interplay with Keith Richards that would become a signature element of the Rolling Stones' sound.
1962: Dedication to Music and Move to London
In 1962, marking a turning point, Keith Richards left Sidcup Art College to fully pursue his passion for music. He moved into a London flat with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones, setting the stage for the formation of the Rolling Stones.
1963: The Start of Jagger/Richards Songwriting Partnership
Under the guidance of manager Andrew Loog Oldham, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards embarked on their songwriting journey together in 1963, a partnership that would become legendary in the world of music.
1963: Rolling Stones Sign with Decca Records
A significant milestone, the Rolling Stones signed a record deal with Decca Records in 1963. Interestingly, manager Andrew Loog Oldham shortened Keith Richard's surname to 'Richard' for a more pop-star appeal.
1964: First Top-Ten Hit with "As Tears Go By"
The songwriting prowess of Jagger/Richards was further affirmed in 1964 when "As Tears Go By", a song written for Marianne Faithfull, climbed the charts to become a top-ten hit.
1965: Use of Gibson Maestro Fuzzbox and Its Impact
In 1965, Keith Richards used a Gibson Maestro fuzzbox to create the iconic tone of his riff on "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." The song's massive success led to a surge in demand for the fuzzbox, selling out entirely by the end of the year. While Richards later experimented with effects like wah-wah pedals and phasers, he primarily focused on combining the "right amp with the right guitar" to achieve his desired sound.
1965: The Rolling Stones' First Top-Ten Hit
In 1965, the Rolling Stones achieved their first top-ten hit with "The Last Time," an original song written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. This marked a significant milestone in their career, as it was their first major chart success with their own material. That same year, they also released "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," which became their first international number-one recording.
1966: Aftermath Album Release
1966 saw the release of "Aftermath," a significant album for the Rolling Stones as it primarily consisted of original songs by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, marking a shift towards their own songwriting. The album showcased their evolving musical style, incorporating influences from blues, R&B, rock and roll, and pop.
1966: Purchase of Redlands Estate
Keith Richards acquired Redlands, a sprawling estate located in Sussex, in 1966.
1966: Production of "Today's Pop Symphony"
Venturing into music production, Keith Richards was credited as the producer and musical director for the 1966 album "Today's Pop Symphony." Although his actual involvement is debated, this experience provided early exposure to the world of music production.
February 1967: Redlands Drug Raid
In February 1967, Keith Richards's Sussex estate, Redlands, was raided by police, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial for drug-related offenses.
June 1967: Sentencing and Imprisonment
On June 29, 1967, following the Redlands drug raid, Keith Richards was found guilty of allowing cannabis use on his property and sentenced to a year in prison. However, he was released on bail the next day and his conviction was later overturned.
1967: The Rolling Stones' Experimental Album
The Rolling Stones released "Their Satanic Majesties Request" in 1967, an experimental album that saw the entire band credited as producers, including Keith Richards. This hands-on approach to production allowed them to experiment with new sounds and push creative boundaries.
1967: Experimentation with Open Tunings
During a break from touring between 1967 and 1968, Keith Richards delved into open tunings, developing a unique style that would become instantly recognizable in songs like "Street Fighting Man" and "Start Me Up".
1967: Expansion of Vocal Contributions
Starting with the 'Between the Buttons' album in 1967, Keith Richards's vocal presence within the Rolling Stones grew, with him taking lead or co-lead on at least one song per album (with a few exceptions) in addition to his signature backing vocals.
1967: Disillusionment with The Beatles
Richards's fandom for The Beatles waned in 1967 after their association with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
1967: Relationship with Anita Pallenberg
Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg embarked on a romantic relationship in 1967, which lasted until 1979.
1967: Collaboration with The Beatles
In a historic moment in music history, Keith Richards, along with Mick Jagger, joined The Beatles for their 1967 TV broadcast of "All You Need Is Love." This collaboration symbolized the unity and camaraderie within the British music scene at the time.
December 1968: Performance with The Dirty Mac
Keith Richards played bass with John Lennon's band The Dirty Mac, performing "Yer Blues" at the Rolling Stones' Rock and Roll Circus in December 1968.
1968: End of Touring Hiatus and Continued Exploration
As the Rolling Stones' touring hiatus concluded in 1968, Keith Richards continued to incorporate his open tuning experimentations into the band's evolving sound.
1968: Performance with The Dirty Mac
Showcasing his musical versatility, Keith Richards played bass with John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Mitch Mitchell, Ivry Gitlis, and Yoko Ono as part of the supergroup The Dirty Mac. This performance, filmed for The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus TV special in 1968, became a legendary moment in rock and roll history.
1969: Mick Taylor's Impact on the Rolling Stones' Sound
From 1969 to 1974, Mick Taylor's exceptional lead guitar skills brought a new dimension to the Rolling Stones, creating a clear distinction between lead and rhythm guitar roles.
1969: Release of "You Got the Silver"
In 1969, the Rolling Stones released the song "You Got the Silver," a slow and soulful ballad written and sung by Keith Richards. This showcased a different side to his songwriting, demonstrating his ability to craft heartfelt and emotional ballads.
1969: Birth of Marlon Leon Sundeep
Marlon Leon Sundeep, the son of Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg, was born in 1969.
1969: Mick Taylor Joins the Rolling Stones
Mick Taylor took over guitar duties in 1969 after Brian Jones's departure, leading to a distinct shift in the band's musical dynamic.
1969: Release of "You Got the Silver"
The Rolling Stones released "You Got the Silver" in 1969, a song that would later become a staple of Keith Richards's solo performances during the band's tours in the 2000s.
1972: Release of "Happy"
The Rolling Stones released "Happy" in 1972, a track showcasing Keith Richards's vocal abilities as he took the lead.
1972: "Happy" Becomes a Concert Staple
Keith Richards's lead vocal performance on "Happy" became a fixture in the Rolling Stones' concerts starting in 1972, providing Mick Jagger with a break during costume changes and offering audiences a different side to the band's dynamic.
1972: Birth of Angela Richards
Angela Richards, the daughter of Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg, was born in 1972. She was initially named Dandelion.
1973: Interest in Kracker
Demonstrating their support for emerging talent, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards took an interest in the band Kracker in 1973. They facilitated a deal where Kracker's second album was distributed outside America by Rolling Stones Records, making them the first band on the label.
1973: Drug-Related Trials
Keith Richards faced drug-related charges and subsequent trials twice in 1973, adding to his notoriety for illicit drug use.
1973: Release of "Coming Down Again"
Keith Richards released "Coming Down Again" in 1973, another example of his talent for writing slower, more emotional ballads, adding another dimension to his songwriting repertoire.
July 1974: Support for Ronnie Wood's Solo Career
Demonstrating his loyalty to fellow musicians, Keith Richards joined Ronnie Wood on stage for two concerts in July 1974 to promote Wood's debut solo album, "I've Got My Own Album to Do." This gesture highlighted Richards' commitment to supporting his friends' musical endeavors.
December 1974: Guest Appearance with Faces
In December 1974, Keith Richards made a guest appearance at a Faces concert, showcasing his camaraderie with other musicians and his willingness to share the stage. This spontaneous performance added to his reputation as a dynamic and unpredictable live performer.
1974: The Glimmer Twins
From 1974 onward, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger frequently co-produced both Rolling Stones albums and records by other artists under the moniker "The Glimmer Twins." This collaboration highlighted their shared vision and solidified their partnership as producers.
1974: Mick Taylor Leaves the Rolling Stones
Mick Taylor's departure in 1974 marked the end of an era for the Rolling Stones, leading to a shift in their sound and dynamics.
1975: Reckless Driving Citation
Keith Richards received a citation for reckless driving in 1975.
1975: Ronnie Wood Joins the Rolling Stones
Ronnie Wood became a Rolling Stone in 1975, marking a return to the intertwined guitar style that Keith Richards and Brian Jones had perfected.
1975: Ronnie Wood Joins the Rolling Stones
The year 1975 brought about a reunion of sorts when Ronnie Wood joined the Rolling Stones, reviving the intricate guitar interplay that had been a hallmark of their earlier sound.
June 1976: Death of Tara Jo Jo Gunne
Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg experienced the tragic loss of their son, Tara Jo Jo Gunne, in June 1976, due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) at the age of two months.
1976: Collaboration with John Phillips
From 1976 to 1977, Keith Richards collaborated with John Phillips, co-producing and playing on Phillips' solo album "Pay Pack & Follow." Released in 2001, this album demonstrated Richards' versatility as a musician and his willingness to work across different genres.
February 1977: Arrest in Toronto
On February 27, 1977, while staying at the Harbour Castle Hilton in Toronto, Keith Richards was arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police after heroin was discovered in his hotel room.
1977: Drug-Related Trial
Keith Richards faced a drug-related trial in 1977, marking another instance in his ongoing legal battles related to drug use.
1977: Toronto Studio Sessions
Keith Richards held studio sessions in Toronto in 1977, producing recordings that were widely bootlegged among fans.
1977: Collaboration with John Phillips
From 1976 to 1977, Keith Richards collaborated with John Phillips, co-producing and playing on Phillips' solo album "Pay Pack & Follow." Released in 2001, this album demonstrated Richards' versatility as a musician and his willingness to work across different genres.
October 1978: Trial and Sentencing
During his trial in October 1978, Keith Richards entered a guilty plea to charges of heroin possession. He was subsequently given a suspended sentence, placed on probation for a year, and ordered to continue treatment for heroin addiction.
1978: Drug-Related Trial
Keith Richards faced a drug-related trial in 1978, underscoring the legal challenges he faced due to his involvement with illicit substances.
1978: First Solo Single
Marking his foray into solo work, Keith Richards released his first solo single in 1978. A cover of Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run" backed with his version of Jimmy Cliff's "The Harder They Come," this release demonstrated his admiration for these artists and hinted at his solo potential.
April 1979: CNIB Benefit Concerts
On April 22, 1979, Keith Richards, along with the Rolling Stones and the New Barbarians, performed two benefit concerts at the Oshawa Civic Auditorium in support of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).
September 1979: Court Appeal Upholds Sentence
The Ontario Court of Appeal upheld Keith Richards's original sentence in September 1979, solidifying the legal consequences of his drug-related charges.
1979: End of Relationship with Anita Pallenberg
Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg ended their relationship in 1979 but continued to maintain a cordial connection.
1979: Meeting Patti Hansen
Keith Richards crossed paths with model Patti Hansen in 1979, marking the beginning of their relationship.
1979: US Tour with New Barbarians
Embracing opportunities to perform live, Keith Richards toured the US with the New Barbarians in 1979, the band formed by Ronnie Wood to promote his album "Gimme Some Neck." Richards' participation in this tour highlighted his enduring love for live performance and his commitment to supporting his fellow musicians.
1980: Release of "All About You"
Keith Richards further demonstrated his versatility as a songwriter with the release of "All About You" in 1980. This slow and passionate ballad showcased his ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability through his music.
1981: Collaboration with Max Romeo
Expanding his musical horizons, Keith Richards played on reggae singer Max Romeo's album "Holding Out My Love to You" in 1981. This collaboration highlighted Richards' appreciation for reggae music and his willingness to explore different genres.
1981: Studio Sessions
Keith Richards engaged in studio sessions in 1981, resulting in recordings that circulated widely as bootlegs.
1982: Reconciliation with Father
After a period of estrangement following his parents' divorce, Keith Richards reconciled with his father in 1982.
December 1983: Marriage to Patti Hansen
Keith Richards married model Patti Hansen on December 18, 1983, which coincided with his 40th birthday.
1983: Wedding Trip to Mexico
During his wedding trip to Mexico in 1983, Keith Richards made recordings that were subsequently widely bootlegged.
1985: Contribution to Tom Waits' "Rain Dogs"
Keith Richards lent his musical talents to Tom Waits' album "Rain Dogs" in 1985, adding guitar and backing vocals. This collaboration brought together two distinctive voices in music, showcasing Richards' admiration for Waits' artistry.
1985: Birth of Theodora Dupree Richards
Theodora Dupree Richards, the daughter of Keith Richards and Patti Hansen, was born in 1985.
1986: Guitar World Interview and Richards' Perspective on Instruments
In a 1986 Guitar World interview, Keith Richards, known for his extensive collection of approximately 3,000 guitars, humorously remarked on his ability to make any guitar sound similar with just five minutes of playing. He also expressed gratitude to guitar makers like Leo Fender, particularly during the Rolling Stones' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
1986: Production Work for Aretha Franklin and Chuck Berry Film
In 1986, Keith Richards produced and played on Aretha Franklin's rendition of "Jumpin' Jack Flash." Additionally, he served as musical producer and bandleader for the Chuck Berry film "Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll." These contributions showcased his versatility as a producer and his deep respect for both artists.
1986: Birth of Alexandra Nicole Richards
Alexandra Nicole Richards, the daughter of Keith Richards and Patti Hansen, was born in 1986.
1987: Formation of "X-Pensive Winos"
With Mick Jagger pursuing his own solo endeavors, Keith Richards formed the band "X-Pensive Winos" in 1987 with co-songwriter and co-producer Steve Jordan. This collaboration allowed Richards to continue creating and performing music outside of the Rolling Stones, marking a new chapter in his career.
December 1988: "Live at the Hollywood Palladium" Release
"Live at the Hollywood Palladium, 15 December 1988" was released as a testament to Keith Richards' first US tour as a solo artist. The album captured the energy and raw power of his live performances, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and captivating performer.
1989: Release of "Slipping Away"
Continuing his exploration of different musical styles, Keith Richards released the ballad "Slipping Away" in 1989. This introspective song showcased his songwriting maturity and his ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
1989: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1989, Keith Richards's iconic status was solidified with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
1989: Previous Award Recognition
Keith Richards received the "Living Legend" award in 1989.
1991: Collaboration on Johnnie Johnson's "Johnnie B. Bad"
Showcasing his support for blues musicians, Keith Richards contributed guitar, vocals, and co-production to Johnnie Johnson's 1991 album "Johnnie B. Bad." This collaboration paid homage to Johnson's influence on Richards' musical development.
1992: Collaboration on Tom Waits' "Bone Machine"
Furthering his collaboration with Tom Waits, Keith Richards co-wrote, played on, and shared lead vocals on the song "That Feel" from Waits' album "Bone Machine" in 1992. This marked a deeper level of creative partnership between the two musicians.
1992: Contribution to Charles Mingus Tribute Album
Keith Richards lent his distinctive vocals and guitar playing to the Charles Mingus tribute album "Weird Nightmare" in 1992, performing "Oh Lord, Don't Let Them Drop That Atomic Bomb on Me." This contribution highlighted Richards' respect for Mingus' legacy and his versatility as a musician.
1992: Release of "Main Offender"
Keith Richards released his second studio album with the X-Pensive Winos, "Main Offender," in 1992, followed by a tour. Although the Winos played a key role in the album's sound, it was credited to Richards as a solo artist, highlighting his individual artistry and creative direction.
1993: Induction into Songwriters Hall of Fame
In recognition of his significant contributions to songwriting, Keith Richards was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1993. This prestigious honor solidified his legacy as one of the most influential and successful songwriters of all time.
1994: Duet with George Jones
Bridging the worlds of rock and country, Keith Richards collaborated with George Jones on the duet "Say It's Not You" for the "Bradley Barn Sessions" in 1994. This unexpected pairing showcased Richards' admiration for Jones' artistry and his willingness to explore different musical territories.
1994: Richards on His Image
In 1994, Keith Richards addressed his public image, acknowledging the persistence of his reputation as a "mad drug addict" despite the passage of time.
1997: Release of "Wingless Angels"
Exploring his interest in world music, Keith Richards co-produced and played guitar and vocals on a recording of nyabinghi Rastafarian chanting and drumming titled "Wingless Angels" in 1997. The album, released on Richards' own label, Mindless Records, showcased his eclectic musical taste and willingness to experiment with different genres.
1997: Collaboration on Scotty Moore's "All the King's Men"
Teaming up with Levon Helm, Keith Richards contributed to Scotty Moore's album "All the King's Men" in 1997, performing on the track "Deuce and a Quarter." This collaboration paid tribute to Moore's significant contribution to rock and roll history.
1998: Interview about Relationship with Mick Jagger
In a 1998 interview, Keith Richards offered insights into his relationship with Mick Jagger, characterizing their dynamic as familial and suggesting that his criticisms stem from a place of concern.
2001: Release of John Phillips' "Pay Pack & Follow"
John Phillips' solo album "Pay Pack & Follow," co-produced and featuring Keith Richards, was released in 2001. This marked the culmination of their collaboration from 1976 to 1977 and showcased Richards' contributions to Phillips' music.
2001: Contribution to Hank Williams Tribute Album
Keith Richards showcased his versatility and respect for country music legend Hank Williams by lending his guitar and lead vocals to the tribute album "Timeless" in 2001. This contribution demonstrated Richards' broad musical taste and his appreciation for Williams' songwriting.
2003: Recording of "Pressure Drop" with Toots Hibbert
In 2003, Keith Richards recorded a version of the reggae classic "Pressure Drop" with Toots Hibbert, backed by original Maytals band members Jackie Jackson and Paul Douglas. This recording, later released as the B-side to Richards' 2007 Christmas single, showcased their shared love for reggae music.
2004: Contribution to Toots & the Maytals' "True Love"
Keith Richards collaborated with Toots & the Maytals on their album "True Love," adding guitar and vocals to the song "Careless Ethiopians" in 2004. This album went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album, highlighting Richards' contributions to the project.
2004: Induction into UK Music Hall of Fame
Keith Richards was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004, alongside the Rolling Stones, further cementing his legacy in music.
2005: Re-release of Ian McLagan's "Troublemaker"
Ian McLagan's album "Troublemaker" was re-released as "Here Comes Trouble" in 2005, which featured Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood's guitar and backing vocals on the track "Truly." This re-release brought renewed attention to their collaboration and showcased Richards' contributions to McLagan's music.
2005: Rolling Stones Release "Rarities 1971–2003"
In 2005, the Rolling Stones released a compilation album titled "Rarities 1971–2003," which featured a selection of rare and limited-issue recordings from their vast discography.
2005: Make It Funky! Documentary
Keith Richards appeared in the documentary "Make It Funky!", discussing the history of New Orleans music and its influence on various genres. He also performed Fats Domino's "I'm Ready".
2005: Contribution to Hubert Sumlin's "About Them Shoes"
Paying homage to a blues great, Keith Richards contributed guitar and vocals to veteran blues guitarist Hubert Sumlin's album "About Them Shoes" in 2005. This collaboration showcased Richards' deep respect for Sumlin's legacy and his enduring love for the blues.
April 2006: Head Injury and Tour Delay
In April 2006, Keith Richards suffered a head injury after falling from a tree in Fiji, leading to cranial surgery and a delay in the Rolling Stones' European tour.
August 2006: Pardon for Reckless Driving
Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee pardoned Keith Richards for a 1975 reckless driving citation in August 2006.
2006: Solo Performance of "You Got the Silver" on Tour
During the Rolling Stones' 2006 and 2007 tours, Keith Richards took center stage for a unique rendition of "You Got the Silver", captivating audiences with a performance that showcased his vocals without any instrument in hand.
2006: Gram Parsons Tribute Concert
Keith Richards performed at a tribute concert for Gram Parsons in 2006, playing guitar and singing "Love Hurts" with Norah Jones.
March 2007: The Ronettes Hall of Fame Induction
Richards attended the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony to induct the Ronettes and played guitar during the all-star jam session in March 2007.
April 2007: Controversial Interview and Song Inspiration
In an interview, Richards jokingly claimed to have snorted his father's ashes. While his manager stated it was a joke, the incident inspired Jay Farrar's song "Cocaine And Ashes" and was referenced in The Waterboys' "Mr Charisma" in 2017.
April 2007: Doris Richards' Passing
Keith Richards's mother, Doris Richards, passed away from cancer at 91 in April 2007.
May 2007: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Release
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End", featuring Keith Richards as Captain Teague, was released in May 2007. Richards won the Best Celebrity Cameo award at the 2007 Spike Horror Awards for his role.
August 2007: Signing Publishing Deal for Autobiography
In August 2007, Keith Richards secured a publishing deal for his autobiography, titled "Life."
December 2007: Release of Christmas Single and "Pressure Drop"
In December 2007, Keith Richards released a Christmas single of "Run Rudolph Run" via iTunes. The B-side featured a 2003 recording of "Pressure Drop" with Toots Hibbert, backed by original Maytals band members. This release showcased Richards' holiday spirit and his enduring love for reggae music.
2007: Rescheduled European Tour
The Rolling Stones resumed their European tour in 2007, making up most of the postponed dates from the previous year due to Richards' injury.
2007: Continuation of Solo Performances on Tour
Keith Richards continued his solo performance tradition during the Rolling Stones' 2007 tour, further establishing his presence as a frontman within the band's dynamic live shows.
March 2008: Louis Vuitton Campaign and Climate Change Support
Keith Richards was featured in a Louis Vuitton advertising campaign photographed by Annie Leibovitz. He donated his fee to the Climate Project, an environmental awareness organization.
October 2008: Musicians' Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Performance
Richards performed with the Crickets at the Musicians' Hall of Fame induction ceremony, playing "Peggy Sue", "Not Fade Away", and "That'll Be the Day".
2008: Release of Unreleased Duet with George Jones
A second duet with George Jones, "Burn Your Playhouse Down," recorded during the 1994 "Bradley Barn Sessions," was released on Jones' 2008 album "Burn Your Playhouse Down – The Unreleased Duets." This posthumous release provided fans with another glimpse into the unique collaboration between Richards and Jones.
August 2009: Ranked Among Top Electric Guitarists
Time magazine ranked Keith Richards No. 4 on their list of the 10 best electric guitar players of all time.
September 2009: Collaboration with Jack White
Richards revealed his collaboration with Jack White on a couple of tracks in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine.
October 2009: Rock Immortal Award Recipient
Keith Richards received the Rock Immortal Award at Spike TV's Scream 2009 awards ceremony.
2009: Publication of "What Would Keith Richards Do?: Daily Affirmations from a Rock 'n' Roll Survivor"
In 2009, a book featuring a compilation of Keith Richards' quotes, titled "What Would Keith Richards Do?: Daily Affirmations from a Rock 'n' Roll Survivor," was released.
April 2010: Interest in Being a Librarian
An April 2010 article disclosed Keith Richards's longing to be a librarian, highlighting his love for reading and his extensive personal library.
October 2010: Release of Autobiography "Life"
Keith Richards released his autobiography, "Life," on October 26, 2010, eleven days after an article was published revealing some of its content.
October 2010: Release of Autobiography "Life"
Keith Richards' autobiography, "Life," hit the shelves on October 26, 2010.
2010: Recognition by Rolling Stone Magazine
In 2010, Rolling Stone magazine hailed Keith Richards as the architect of "rock's greatest single body of riffs" on guitar. The magazine further cemented his legacy by placing him fourth on their prestigious list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. Notably, fourteen songs co-written by Richards and Jagger were featured on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list.
May 2011: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Release
Keith Richards reprised his role as Captain Teague in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides", released in May 2011.
2011: Ranked 4th on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists
Rolling Stone magazine placed Keith Richards at number 4 on their list of the 100 greatest guitarists in 2011, recognizing his immense influence on rock guitar.
2011: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Release
Keith Richards reprised his role as Captain Edward Teague in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides", released in 2011.
2011: Appearance in Documentary "Toots and the Maytals: Reggae Got Soul"
Keith Richards made an appearance in the 2011 documentary "Toots and the Maytals: Reggae Got Soul," broadcast on the BBC. The film is described as an exploration of the untold story of Toots and the Maytals, a highly influential Jamaican musical group.
2011: Contribution to Tom Waits' "Bad As Me"
Keith Richards continued his collaborative relationship with Tom Waits by contributing guitar and vocals to Waits' album "Bad As Me" in 2011. This ongoing partnership highlighted the mutual respect and shared musical sensibilities between the two artists.
February 2012: Tribute to Chuck Berry and Leonard Cohen
Richards paid tribute to musicians Chuck Berry and Leonard Cohen at the first annual PEN Awards for songwriting excellence in February 2012.
2012: Independent Music Awards Judge
Keith Richards served as a judge for the 11th annual Independent Music Awards in 2012, supporting independent musicians.
June 2013: Retirement Plans
In June 2013, Keith Richards expressed his intention to retire with his family to either Parrot Cay or Jamaica if he were aware of his impending death.
2013: Reflection on Head Injury
In a video message for the On Fire tour, Richards expressed gratitude towards the surgeons who treated his head injury in New Zealand in 2006.
September 2014: Release of Children's Book
In September 2014, Keith Richards, in collaboration with his daughter Theodora, published a children's book titled "Gus and Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar."
September 2015: Release of "Crosseyed Heart"
Continuing his solo career, Keith Richards released his third solo album, "Crosseyed Heart," in September 2015. This album showcased his enduring passion for music and his ability to connect with audiences through his unique blend of rock and roll, blues, and heartfelt songwriting.
2015: Music Genre Criticism
In a 2015 interview, Richards shared his dislike for rap and hip hop, calling them "tone deaf". He also called Metallica and Black Sabbath "great jokes" and criticized the lack of syncopation in most rock and roll.
2015: Comments on Mick Jagger
By 2015, Richards's opinion of Jagger had softened, but he still acknowledged Jagger's potential to appear as a "snob." However, Richards maintained his affection for Jagger, emphasizing the complexities of their friendship.
September 2016: Lost Weekend BBC Four Programme
Keith Richards curated and hosted "Lost Weekend", a three-night programme on BBC Four, featuring his favorite 1960s comedy shows, cartoons, and thrillers.
November 2016: Thoughts on Death
Contrasting his earlier retirement plans, Keith Richards expressed a desire to "croak magnificently, onstage" in November 2016, indicating a shift in his perspective on death.
2016: Statement About Substance Use
In 2016, Keith Richards revealed that he continues to consume alcohol, hashish, and cannabis occasionally.
June 2017: Anita Pallenberg's Death
Anita Pallenberg, Richards' former partner, passed away in June 2017. Despite their separation in 1979, they had maintained a cordial relationship.
2017: The Waterboys' "Mr Charisma" Release
The Waterboys released the song "Mr Charisma", referencing the controversial incident of Keith Richards's claim about snorting his father's ashes.
2020: Quit Smoking
Keith Richards made the decision to quit smoking in 2020.
2022: Quit Smoking
In 2022, Keith Richards shared that he had given up smoking in 2020.
2023: Ranked 15th on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists
In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine's updated ranking placed Keith Richards as the 15th greatest guitarist, still a testament to his enduring impact.
2023: Tribute from Tom Waits and Statue Unveiling
In 2023, renowned musician Tom Waits paid homage to Keith Richards with a poem titled "Burnt Toast To Keith." The same year, Richards was further honored with the unveiling of a statue in his hometown of Dartford.