What Happened to Keith Richards?
Keith Richards, the iconic guitarist and co-principal songwriter of The Rolling Stones, continues to be an active force in music, despite recent adjustments to his touring schedule. While the band cancelled a planned 2026 European tour due to Richards' health concerns, primarily arthritis, he remains creatively engaged, with The Rolling Stones launching a new studio album, "Foreign Tongues," in May 2026, set for release in July.
Quick Answer
Keith Richards, at 82 years old as of late 2025, remains an active musician and a core member of The Rolling Stones. Although the band cancelled their planned 2026 European tour due to Richards' arthritis, which has led him to adapt his guitar playing style, he continues to record new music. Most recently, The Rolling Stones announced their 25th studio album, "Foreign Tongues," in May 2026, demonstrating Richards' ongoing creative contributions to the legendary rock band.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Dartford, England
Keith Richards was born in Dartford, Kent, England, the only child of Doris Maud Lydia and Herbert William Richards.
Co-founds The Rolling Stones
Richards, along with Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Ian Stewart, and Charlie Watts, formed The Rolling Stones, becoming one of the most influential rock bands in history.
Quits Heroin
Richards successfully stopped using heroin, a significant step in his journey towards a cleaner lifestyle after years of highly publicized drug struggles.
Marries Patti Hansen
Keith Richards married American model Patti Hansen, with whom he has two daughters, Theodora and Alexandra.
Releases First Solo Album 'Talk Is Cheap'
Richards launched his solo career with The X-Pensive Winos, releasing his debut album 'Talk Is Cheap' to critical acclaim.
Eliminates Cocaine Use
Richards further cleaned up his lifestyle by ceasing cocaine use, contributing to his remarkable longevity in the music industry.
Publishes Autobiography 'Life'
His highly anticipated autobiography, co-written with James Fox, offered an candid account of his life, career, and experiences with The Rolling Stones.
Quits Smoking
Richards made another significant health change by quitting smoking, continuing his transition to a healthier lifestyle.
The Rolling Stones Release 'Hackney Diamonds'
The Rolling Stones released 'Hackney Diamonds,' their first album of original material in 18 years, featuring guest artists like Lady Gaga and Paul McCartney.
Begins 'Hackney Diamonds Tour'
The Rolling Stones embarked on their North American 'Hackney Diamonds Tour,' which ran until July 2024, grossing $235 million.
Solo Performance at Benefit Concert
Richards performed solo at a benefit for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration in New York City, honoring Bruce Willis, demonstrating his continued musical activity.
Rolling Stones Cancel 2026 European Tour
The Rolling Stones cancelled their planned 2026 European and UK stadium tour, reportedly due to Keith Richards, then 82, feeling unable to commit to the demanding schedule due to arthritis.
Discusses Arthritis Impact on Guitar Playing
Richards revealed in an interview that arthritis has changed his guitar playing, forcing him to adapt his technique, but he continues to find new ways to play.
The Rolling Stones Launch 'Foreign Tongues' Album
The Rolling Stones, including Richards, attended a red-carpet event in Brooklyn to launch their 25th studio album, 'Foreign Tongues,' which is set to debut on July 10, 2026.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Keith Richards, born on December 18, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England, rose to global fame as the co-founder, guitarist, and co-principal songwriter of The Rolling Stones. His distinctive guitar riffs and songwriting partnership with Mick Jagger have been central to the band's enduring success, spanning over six decades. Richards' early life saw him reconnect with Jagger in 1961, leading to the formation of the band in 1962, which quickly established itself as a countercultural icon.
Throughout his career, Richards has been known for his rebellious image and past struggles with drug addiction, which he has largely overcome, quitting heroin in 1978, cocaine by 2006, and smoking in 2019. Beyond The Rolling Stones, he has pursued a successful solo career with his band, The X-Pensive Winos, releasing albums like "Talk Is Cheap" (1988), "Main Offender" (1992), and "Crosseyed Heart" (2015). His autobiography, "Life," published in 2010, offered an unfiltered look into his storied career and personal experiences.
The Rolling Stones continued their prolific output into the 2020s, releasing "Hackney Diamonds" in 2023, their first album of original material in 18 years. This was followed by a successful North American "Hackney Diamonds Tour" from April to July 2024, which grossed $235 million and sold 848,000 tickets. However, as Richards entered his early 80s, his health began to influence the band's touring plans.
In December 2025, The Rolling Stones announced the cancellation of their anticipated 2026 European and UK stadium tour. Reports indicated that Richards, then 82, felt unable to commit to the demanding, four-month-long touring schedule due to his ongoing battle with arthritis. Mick Jagger clarified that this decision was collective and did not signify the end of the band, but rather a shift towards prioritizing health and creative work, with a new album already in the works. Richards himself addressed fans in January 2026 via Instagram, offering a reassuring message to "keep going."
As of May 2026, Keith Richards remains actively involved with The Rolling Stones. He has openly discussed how arthritis has necessitated changes in his guitar playing, forcing him to adapt his technique, though he maintains the condition is "benign" and inspires new approaches to his craft. The most recent development is the launch of The Rolling Stones' 25th studio album, "Foreign Tongues," at a red-carpet event in Brooklyn on May 6, 2026, with the 14-track album slated for release on July 10, 2026. This confirms that while extensive touring may be curtailed, Richards' musical journey and contributions to one of rock's greatest bands are far from over.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Keith Richards made different choices?