With the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards created the riffs, the lyrics and the songs that roused the world, and over four decades he lived the original rock and roll life: taking the chances he wanted, speaking his mind, and making it all work in a way that no one before him had ever done. Now, at last, the man himself tells us the story of life in the crossfire hurricane. And what a life. Listening obsessively to Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters records as a child in post-war Kent. Learning guitar and forming a band with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones. The Rolling Stones’ first fame and success as a bad-boy band. The notorious Redlands drug bust and subsequent series of confrontations with a nervous establishment that led to his enduring image as outlaw and folk hero. Creating immortal riffs such as the ones in ‘Jumping Jack Flash’ and ‘Street Fighting Man’ and ‘Honky Tonk Women’. Falling in love with Anita Pallenberg and the death of Brian Jones. Tax exile in France, wildfire tours of the US, ‘Exile on Main Street’ and ‘Some Girls’. Ever increasing fame, isolation and addiction. Falling in love with Patti Hansen. Estrangement from Mick Jagger and subsequent reconciliation. Solo albums and performances with his band the Xpensive Winos. Marriage, family and the road that goes on for ever. In a voice that is uniquely and intimately his own, with the disarming honesty that has always been his trademark, Keith Richards brings us the essential life story of our times.
Delve into the raw, unfiltered soul of rock and roll with *Life*, the groundbreaking autobiography of legendary Rolling Stones guitarist, Keith Richards, co-authored with James Fox. This isn't just a rock star biography; it's a cultural document, a gripping narrative woven from the very fabric of rebellion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of musical perfection. *Life* invites you behind the curtain of one of the most iconic bands in history, revealing the genesis of the Rolling Stones from their early days immersed in the blues of Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters in post-war Dartford, Kent. Experience the thrill of their formation alongside Mick Jagger and Brian Jones, witnessing the explosive chemistry that ignited a musical revolution. Richards unflinchingly recounts the Stones' meteoric rise to fame, their rebellious image, and the controversial drug busts that cemented his persona as an outlaw and folk hero. Feel the heat of the Redlands raid and the subsequent battles with a disapproving establishment, events that paradoxically fueled the band's notoriety and solidified their counter-cultural significance. Beyond the scandals and headlines, *Life* explores the heart of Richards's musical genius. Discover the origins of iconic riffs that defined generations "Jumping Jack Flash," "Street Fighting Man," "Honky Tonk Women" and gain insight into the creative process behind the Stones' timeless sound. Richards shares the stories behind the albums that shaped rock history, including the legendary *Exile on Main Street* and *Some Girls*, albums born from tax exile in France and tumultuous times. This autobiography isn't just about music; it's about love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Richards candidly discusses his passionate but turbulent relationship with Anita Pallenberg and the profound impact of Brian Jones's tragic death. He reflects on the challenges of fame, the struggles with addiction, and the enduring power of music to heal and inspire. Later chapters delve into his relationship with Patti Hansen, offering a glimpse into the stability and love he found amidst the chaos of his rock and roll lifestyle. He doesn't shy away from the strained dynamic with Mick Jagger, the estrangement and eventual reconciliation, highlighting the complex brotherhood that underpinned the Stones' enduring success. Readers will also gain insight into his solo work with the X-Pensive Winos, showcasing his musical versatility and independence. Published in 2010 by Weidenfeld & Nicholson, this First Edition hardcover of *Life* is more than just a book; it's a piece of rock and roll history. With 576 pages filled with Keith's uniquely voiced recollections and disarming honesty, you'll find yourself captivated by the essential story of a generation. More than just a memoir, *Life* offers a reflection on the cultural shifts of the 20th and early 21st centuries, viewed through the eyes of a man who lived it all. Secure your copy now and experience the life of Keith Richards, a life lived in the crossfire hurricane, a life that continues to inspire.