Keith Richards, the 82-year-old guitarist of The Rolling Stones, has opened up about his secrets to longevity and his continued passion for music. He shared these thoughts in a new interview as part of The Rolling Stones: Foreign Tongues | Zane Lowe Interview on Apple Music.
The rock legend, long known for his wild lifestyle, offered a surprisingly straightforward answer when it came to the secret behind his enduring health.
“Healthy living. Go to bed early. There’s nothing like it. That’s the formula: Be a good boy,” Richards said.
Richards also turned his attention to the future, reflecting on his creative drive and what lies ahead for him and the band.
“Anytime the whistle blows, I’m there and I’m up for it. Always got a few songs in the bag. I’m sure Mick does, he never stops,” he continued. “Making, that’s what I do, so you’re automatically thinking about what you’re going to do next. So it’s sort of there in the making.”
The comments offer a rare glimpse into Richards’ mindset at 82. Both his health-conscious habits and his creative momentum remain very much intact.
The interview arrives at a moment when Richards appears more focused and productive than many artists half his age.
Richards released his solo album Old Grump in 2024. It marked his first major solo project since 2011 and served as a clear signal that his appetite for creating new music has not dimmed with age.
On the live front, Richards remained an active presence throughout The Rolling Stones’ 2024-2025 Hackney Diamonds tour. For a man in his eighties, the physical demands of a major touring cycle are no small feat – and Richards met them without apparent hesitation.
His approach to health has also undergone a significant shift in recent years. Richards has maintained a strict avoidance of alcohol since 2010. The change stands in sharp contrast to the excess that defined much of his earlier decades.
Taken together, the early nights, the sobriety, the new music, and the continued touring paint a picture of a man who has not simply survived rock and roll – he has outlasted it, and is still showing up to work.
