Welcome to a treasure trove of wisdom and wit from one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most iconic figures, Keith Richards. As the legendary guitarist for The Rolling Stones, Richards has not only shaped the landscape of music but also left an indelible mark on popular culture with his distinctive style, rebellious spirit, and razor-sharp insights. Renowned for his devil-may-care attitude and unapologetic authenticity, Keith Richards is a living embodiment of rock ‘n’ roll excess, resilience, and creativity.
Within these pages, you’ll discover a collection of Keith Richards quotes that span his illustrious career, offering glimpses into his philosophy on music, life, and everything in between. From candid reflections on the nature of fame to irreverent musings on the art of songwriting, Richards’ words resonate with a raw energy and undeniable charisma. Whether you’re a die-hard fan seeking inspiration or simply curious about the man behind the guitar, these quotes provide a fascinating window into the mind of a true rock icon. So, without further ado, let the riff of wisdom from Keith Richards guide and inspire you.
Everyone talks about rock these days; the problem is they forget about the roll. Keith Richards
To me, my biggest fear is getting a big head, and that is when I get the hammer. Because it’s very easy in this game to believe you’re something special. Keith Richards
The Beatles were basically a vocal band. Keith Richards
You know, the BBC had not been particularly generous in its deliverance of blues and esoteric kinds of music. Keith Richards
You didn’t know whether Chuck Berry was black or white – it was not a concern. Keith Richards
About myself I have no great illusions. I know what I am. I know what I’m good at. I know what I ain’t. I’m always hoping to surprise myself. But I do have a love of music and I do love to communicate it, and that’s the best I can do, really. And I can raise a good family, too. Keith Richards
I never thought I was wasted, but I probably was. Keith Richards
You’ve got the sun, you’ve got the moon, and you’ve got the Rolling Stones. Keith Richards
There’s no substitute for live work to keep a band together. Keith Richards
Songwriting’s a weird game. I never intended to become one – I fell into this by mistake, and I can’t get out of it. It fascinates me. I like to point out the rawer points of life. Keith Richards
I’ve never had a problem with drugs. I’ve had problems with the police. Keith Richards
Good music comes out of people playing together, knowing what they want to do and going for it. You have to sweat over it and bug it to death. You can’t do it by pushing buttons and watching a TV screen. Keith Richards
I look for ambiguity when I’m writing because life is ambiguous. Keith Richards
The only things Mick and I disagree about is the band, the music and what we do. Keith Richards
I’ve never tried to achieve anything. I achieved everything I wanted to achieve by being in the Rolling Stones and making records. Keith Richards
It’s good to be anywhere. Keith Richards
Yes, I’ve been trepanned. That’s quite an interesting experience, especially for my brain surgeon, who saw my thoughts flying around in my brain. Keith Richards
I mean some doctor told me I had six months to live and I went to their funeral. Keith Richards
If you don’t know the blues… there’s no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music. Keith Richards
When I listen to what I did under the influence – 10 years of work – I don’t think it either enhanced or impaired me. It didn’t have that much to do with it. Keith Richards
Another thing to do with the blues is how they were recorded. They were done on the quick, and some of that stuff was made on wire, not even tape, let alone digital. Keith Richards
I only get ill when I give up drugs. Keith Richards
Rock and Roll: Music for the neck downwards. Keith Richards
To me, as long as we’ve known each other, I’ve always thought Mick’s most brilliant thing was that he could work in an area two foot square and give a very exciting performance. Keith Richards
Give me a guitar, give me a piano, give me a broom and string; I wouldn’t get bored anywhere. Keith Richards
Songwriting’s a weird game. Keith Richards
Hey, we just enjoy it. I think we think we’re getting the hang of this thing, you know? Keith Richards
You don’t start to play your guitar thinking you’re going to be running an organisation that will maybe generate millions. Keith Richards
Let me be clear about this. I don’t have a drug problem. I have a police problem. Keith Richards
Everybody’s got a different way of telling a story – and has different stories to tell. Keith Richards
It’s great to be here. It’s great to be anywhere. Keith Richards
If you say I’m great, thank you very much. But I know what I am. I could be better, man, you know? Keith Richards
If you’re going to kick authority in the teeth, you might as well use both feet. Keith Richards
It’s an addiction… and addiction is something I should know something about. Keith Richards
This is the rock ‘n’ roll life, and you had to invent it as you went along. There was no textbook to say how you operate this machinery. Keith Richards
I’ve never had my hair cut by anybody, I do it all myself. Keith Richards
I’ve always been suspicious of TV, I’ve always found music and video to be an unhappy marriage. Keith Richards
And it was a very, very fruitful and great relationship between the Stones and The Beatles. It was very, very friendly. Keith Richards
The Stones in a club is still the ultimate rush. Keith Richards
I don’t trust doctors. It’s not to say there ain’t some good ones, but on a general level, no, I wouldn’t trust ’em at all. Keith Richards
When you’re supported by millions all over the world, you can either go nuts, or try to feed off the goodwill. Keith Richards
I achieved everything I wanted to achieve by being in the Rolling Stones and making records. Keith Richards
You get onstage and make other people feel happy. Make them feel good. Keith Richards
To make a rock’n’roll record, technology is the least important thing. Keith Richards
You have the sun, you have the moon, you have the air that you breathe – and you have the Rolling Stones! Keith Richards
I have no idea what the audience makes of me. Keith Richards
I mean, give me a guitar, give me a piano, give me a broom and string, I wouldn’t get bored anywhere. Keith Richards
