Oh, Keef… I am constantly Jealous of you (and inspired).
It all started with me watching the Keith Richards documentary on Netflix (mind blown). Then I read his book and listened to each album as it was discussed in the book, which gave those albums a new life knowing what was going on behind the scenes. (I also listened to his WTF?! Podcast with Marc Maron…twice). You always knew that Keith was a bad ass, I mean, just look at him and listen to those guitar parts! What I didn’t know of was how much he LOVED music. Like, he really treats it like a serious relationship. He honors, respects, and cherishes the tradition, craft, and history of music. He’s a real cat and you can hear all that depth in his playing and singing.
As for the Stones, I think that everyone should treat an album like Sticky Fingers, Exhile on Main Street, etc. like they all came out today. No one touches the Stones, no one ever will. I was a Beatles guy all my life, but I believe that when I needed Keith and their music, I was absolutely ready for it. Keith was one fortunate individual. I am Glad he is still kicking and killing it.
Thanks. Me too. Saw “Under The Influence” and read “Life.” One standout revelation was that they just wanted to be the “best blues band in England” and had no notion of writing songs. The other was his series of epiphanies while trying to get grip on recording with the REAL rasta-dudes. Absolutely brilliant. The MUSIC is the LIFE. Everything else, for Keef, is just distraction. I can only wish… and keep trying.
PS “He’s a real cat…” That, my friend, is brilliantly put!
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