Keith Richards on Life as an 82-Year-Old Great-Grandfather and the Rolling Stones’ Latest Chapter
I d listen to my body – Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of the Rolling Stones, has recently become a great-grandfather—a milestone that seems almost surreal given his past reputation for a high-octane lifestyle. During a video call from the Hit Factory in New York, the iconic studio where the Stones first recorded 46 years ago, Richards exclaimed, “That’s a fact! Absolutely!” He’s celebrating the arrival of his great-granddaughter, Luna Richards-Von Bismarck, with a mix of pride and playful humor. “It’s been a couple of weeks, and it’s a brand-new experience for me,” he said, adding, “But I’m a fantastic grandad. Great-grandadding is … I try to let them hang with me for as long as humanly possible, then I hand ’em back.”
A New Era of Family Life
Richards’ role as a grandparent has evolved in recent years, with multiple grandchildren entering his life. “I’ve got three or four new ones, you know,” he explained, “When I say new, I mean … two or three years old. Or four. Or one, or maybe five.” His admission of vague recollection about their ages drew a chuckle, which he attributed to the “ton of heroin a day” he once consumed. “I lose track, you know,” he said, his voice carrying a mix of nostalgia and levity. Yet, despite his past excesses, Richards now appears in remarkably good health, a testament to his recent lifestyle adjustments.
Reflecting on his longevity, Richards remarked, “I tended to listen to my body just before it screamed for help.” This philosophy, he said, was born from a period when his health was a subject of concern. “I wasn’t far from the end of the runway before I screamed for help,” he added, recalling when the general consensus was that he might not live to see the end of the year, let alone witness the birth of his great-granddaughter. “But you tend to slow down if you want to keep going; you pace yourself.”
One of the most significant changes in his life has been quitting smoking cigarettes six years ago. “Suddenly, I felt like after all these years of smoking—because, you know, a man smokes—I was sat around with this silly thing in my mouth thinking: how childish,” he said. While the habit of smoking weed remains, the transition to a smoke-free lifestyle marked a turning point for Richards. “It’s only a ton of weed a day now,” he joked, underscoring his lighthearted take on moderation.
Rolling Stones in the Modern Age
Richards’ latest venture, the Rolling Stones’ new album Foreign Tongues, has sparked renewed interest in the band’s creative output. The project, which includes tracks like the tender Richards-sung Some of Us, dates back nearly two decades but was recently unearthed by producer Andrew Watt. “He cherrypicked from the can,” Richards said, highlighting Watt’s role in breathing new life into the Stones’ catalog. The album’s creation also followed a month-long burst of activity in London, where the band’s energy seemed undiminished despite Richards’ age.
Richards credited Watt, a 35-year-old producer with a growing reputation in the rock world, for bringing a fresh perspective to the Stones. “He’s been a breath of fresh air and a kick up the ass,” Richards said. “He knows his stuff musically and technically, and he doesn’t put up with any bullshit—he just gets on with it.” This collaboration, Richards suggested, has revitalized the band’s creative process, allowing them to push boundaries without hesitation.
The new album’s rapid release was partly due to Mick Jagger’s prolific energy. “Mick’s been very prolific lately,” Richards noted, “which is one reason this album has come out so quick, because he won’t bloody stop.” Jagger’s work ethic, Richards explained, has kept the Stones’ momentum alive, especially after the 2023 release of Hackney Diamonds, which followed the passing of drummer Charlie Watts. “The momentum from Hackney Diamonds was such that this is basically carrying on in the same breath,” Richards said, adding, “I was just letting it roll—we had enough stuff if we wanted to keep pushing, and so Mick and I gave each other the usual wry look and said: ‘Yeah, let’s keep pushing.’”
A New Chapter in the Rolling Stones’ Legacy
Richards’ personal journey mirrors the band’s evolution. In 2015, when we last spoke, he was in the process of releasing his solo album Crosseyed Heart, yet he still expressed reservations about being a solo artist. “I was only doing it to keep my hand in,” he admitted, “because the Rolling Stones were in hibernation.” His frustration at the time led him to inform his bandmates of his intention to retire, describing the move as a “punching them in the back of the head” tactic to reignite their creativity.
But Richards’ ambitions have not waned. When asked about his remaining goals, he spoke wistfully of wanting to make one more Rolling Stones album. That wish has now been fulfilled, with the band’s latest release Foreign Tongues standing as a bold testament to their enduring relevance. The album’s tracks, including the politically charged Ringing Hollow—a “love letter to America” according to Jagger—reflect Richards’ keen observations of the world. “There’s always a scoundrel trying to whip up the crowd … there’s always a king trying to pick up the crown … Lady Liberty don’t look so good when she’s wearing a scowl,” Richards said, quoting Jagger’s lyrics.
Richards’ health and lifestyle choices have played a pivotal role in the band’s continued activity. “I’m not drinking this week,” he said, “but otherwise, yeah, in moderation.” This balance between indulgence and discipline has allowed him to stay active, both in his personal life and in the studio. “It’s only a ton of heroin a day now,” he joked, illustrating his ability to laugh at his own habits while acknowledging their impact.
The Rolling Stones’ recent output underscores Richards’ adaptability. Blue & Lonesome (2016) marked a return to blues roots, while Hackney Diamonds (2023) showcased their ability to craft modern rock anthems. Now, Foreign Tongues blends these elements, offering a mix of nostalgic blues and contemporary themes. Richards’ reflections on the album reveal a blend of pride and humility. “It’s like we’re carrying on the same breath,” he said, “but with a new generation of songs.”
Richards’ journey from a rock icon who once seemed destined for early retirement to a great-grandfather and still a driving force in the band is a story of resilience. His ability to embrace change, whether in personal habits or musical direction, has kept the Rolling Stones at the forefront of the industry. “I’d listen to my body before it screamed for help,” he said, “but now, I’m listening to it—and it’s happy to keep going.”
A Legacy of Laughter and Music
Throughout the interview, Richards’ humor was as evident as his musical insight. “I lose track, you know,” he repeated, his laughter echoing through the video call. This lightheartedness, combined with his dedication to the band, has made the Rolling Stones’ current chapter as vibrant as ever. Richards’ words, peppered with wit and wisdom, capture the essence of his life’s work: a blend of rebellion, tradition, and the occasional chuckle.
As he continues to navigate life as an 82-year-old great-grandfather, Richards remains a testament to the idea that age is just a number. “I’m not done yet,” he said, “and I’ve got a few more great-grandkids to meet.” Whether in the studio, on stage, or in the company of his grandchildren, Richards’ spirit of adventure endures. His latest album, along with his family life, exemplifies a life well-lived—a balance between the past and present, the reckless and the measured, all wrapped in the unmistakable flair of a man who never stops rocking.
