Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has officially become a great-grandfather, marking a new chapter for the 82-year-old rock legend. Richards confirmed the birth of his great-granddaughter, Luna Richards-Von Bismarck, during a recent interview while discussing the band’s upcoming album, Foreign Tongues. According to Richards, the arrival of his newest family members has prompted a period of reflection on his six-decade career and his enduring, if occasionally turbulent, partnership with Mick Jagger.
How has Keith Richards sustained his longevity?
Richards attributes his survival to a disciplined approach to his own physical limits, noting that he learned to “listen to his body just before it screamed for help.” After years of well-documented health struggles, the guitarist stated he now paces himself to maintain his touring and recording schedule. He quit smoking cigarettes six years ago, describing the habit as “childish,” though he remains candid about his continued use of cannabis. According to his comments, his current lifestyle focuses on moderation, a stark contrast to the chaotic, high-consumption habits that defined his public image in the 1970s.
What is the future of the Rolling Stones’ creative process?
The band is currently maintaining the momentum generated by their 2023 studio album, Hackney Diamonds. Richards reports that the group has transitioned into a more collaborative and less contentious phase, specifically regarding his relationship with Mick Jagger. While the pair were once defined by “jousting” over creative direction—often pitting Richards’s traditional blues-rock sensibilities against Jagger’s interest in modern pop—Richards claims that rivalry has largely faded. According to Richards, the two have reached an age where they no longer feel the need to weaponize their creative differences.
Comparison: The Shift in Recording Dynamics
| Era | Working Relationship |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Strained; Richards threatened retirement to “punch” bandmates into action. |
| 2024 | Collaborative; frequent recording sessions driven by mutual momentum. |
Why is Keith Richards critical of modern music technology?
Despite his active participation in the current music industry, Richards remains a vocal opponent of digital saturation. He expressed a deep skepticism toward Artificial Intelligence, stating that he fears for the future of music because “they don’t know what the hell it does.” Richards maintains a traditionalist workflow, mourning the loss of physical recording formats like the cassette tape, which he credits for the creation of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” According to the guitarist, his daily interaction with technology is limited to an electric kettle, relying on assistants to manage the digital requirements of his career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Foreign Tongues the final Rolling Stones album?
Richards has not confirmed this as the band’s final project. While he acknowledges that at 82, the thought of an album being a “last time” crosses his mind, he stated he does not dwell on it and remains committed to the current creative path.
Who produced the latest Rolling Stones tracks?
The tracks were produced by Andrew Watt, a 35-year-old producer known for his work with Paul McCartney and Elton John. Richards praised Watt for being “a breath of fresh air” who avoids industry “bullshit.”
How does Richards view his legacy?
Richards views his legacy through a lens of maturation. He noted that the arrival of his great-grandchildren provides a new “mirror” to see where he came from, though he jokingly added that he avoids the word “maturing” whenever possible.
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