To be regarded as a true legend in rock music, artists must possess more than just technical skills; they need a captivating personality that enhances their sound.
Many iconic musicians blend artistic talent with authentic character, and Keith Richards, the lead guitarist of The Rolling Stones, exemplifies this perfect combination of musical brilliance and individuality.
Though the term “enigma” is often misused, Richards genuinely embodies a world of his own that continues to baffle outsiders.
On one hand, he’s celebrated as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation, renowned for his mastery of fingerstyle and open tunings.
His ability to fuse folk influences with blues and rock has resulted in a distinctive sound that remains unparalleled.
Richards is also known as rock music’s luckiest survivor. The quintessential hell-raising rock star has faced more brushes with death than most could fathom, yet he continues to share tales of these near misses.
Any one of these harrowing experiences would likely deter the average person from a life of excess, but for Richards, they’ve only contributed to his legendary persona.
Despite being an iconic guitarist, Richards has pushed his body and spirit to their limits, and his survival is one of rock’s greatest mysteries, albeit a macabre one.
From house fires to Strychnine poisoning, he has escaped countless grim fates while still performing with one of the world’s most popular bands.
Richards has never been one to hold back his opinions. The Rolling Stones stood out as the most outspoken and transgressive group of the British invasion, presenting a stark contrast to The Beatles.
Their bold characters allowed them to challenge outdated norms during the countercultural movement, but as time passed and fame took its toll, they often turned their ire on each other.
The late 1980s, when frontman Mick Jagger pursued a solo career, was infamously dubbed “World War III” by the band, highlighting the tensions that accompanied their illustrious journey.
