Who knew Keith Richards was so coherent? That thought ran through my mind over and over again while plowing through his memoir. It wasn’t until about half-way through that I noticed the title page, “Life, by Keith Richards. With James Fox.” Aha!
Still! These 547 pages account not for Mr. Fox’s memories, but Keith’s. As if in defense of any preconceived notions, he’s even inscribed on the inside jacket sleeve, “This is the Life. Believe it or not I haven’t forgotten any of it." And the amount of detail remembered is quite astounding, considering...
It’s one thing to have a good sense of recall. It’s a whole ‘nother wonderful thing when your recall includes the most colorful, dramatic, inspiring, often hilarious events of a very full life. A jammed-packed life. As, he explains in the opening passage of the second chapter, “For many years I slept, on average, twice a week. This means that I have been conscious for at least three lifetimes.” Maybe that’s his secret!
It’s easy to assume, when dealing with such a character, that over time one has created just that. A character. (Like a fellow band-mate may or may not be accused of doing so somewhere within these pages.) It’s disappointing when a legend can’t live up to his own myth. But, even when reading the early chapters of this book, it’s very clear that the Keith Richards we all know and love, is the same Keith Richards that has always been. I enjoyed reading about his eccentric childhood and almost mourned its loss as he, and his band, began to grow up throughout these pages. The first part of his life was story enough… I wasn’t sure I was ready for the debauchery I knew was yet to come!
When thinking of a rock guitarist, it’s tempting to suggest that it all started with three chords, a pair of torn jeans and a very loud amp. I was impressed to learn the musical background of his (slightly screwball) family. His chance to finally take a go at that guitar his grandpa Gus seemed to leave teasingly atop the piano to taunt him on visits. His early (and eternal) love for good ol’ Chicago blues. The fact that The Stones was actually created as a blues band! His passion and hunger for the instrument he came to master. The drive to never know enough, but constantly seek new tips and tutelage from any performer that came his way with a new trick in the bag. Getting his chance to learn from legends and eventually even getting to teach other legends the tricks of his trade.
Great tips for guitar players also included. If you’ve ever had trouble trying to get “Brown Sugar”, “Honky Tonk Women”, “Start Me Up” or “Satisfaction” to sound just right when strumming around the house, here’s his secret: Pop off the bottom E-string and open tune. A trick he figured out listening to old acoustic blues and slide guitarists. (I haven’t had my guitar out in awhile and my playing skills are rusty, but here’s more info if you’re itching to give it a go: http://www.guitarplayer.com/article/keith-richards/mar-05/556) This trick Keith used to blow audiences away in the late 60’s with his “new” sound. He even recalls Ike Turner dragging him to his dressing room one night, after Ike’s demanding, “Show me that five-string s***!” 45-minutes later Ike had it down and it was used all over his next album.
You'll also learn: 1. The unique relationship between The Beatles and The Stones (They weren't quite the competitors you'd think.) 2. The unique relationship between Keith and Mick. Yes, the truth comes out! Feuds and all! 3. How the Altamont concert looked through his eyes. 4. Why pharamaceutical coke is healthier than street grade. (Just go with him on this one...) 5. How to win a knife fight. 6. When to pull out the pistol. And more!
I don’t want to give too much away. But, yes, you'll find all the sex, drugs, arrests, tragedies, squabbles with band-mates and nine-lives you'd expect in his story. His flaws he chooses to lay bare. His excesses he doesn’t promote, yet doesn’t exactly repent for either. Every rumor you’ve ever heard is either squashed or verified. In the end you'll see him as a poet, a romantic, a pipsqueak, a musical genius, a candidate for anger-management, a brother for life to those who've earned it and the classic-rocker-you'd-be-most-delighted-to-share-a-long-flight-with (What? You don't have that top-ten list?!) And, you’ll end up really really hoping his tale will become the next big Hollywood biopic. (Starring Johnny Depp or Christian Bale… just a suggestion.)
Don’t look for this book at my next garage sale. I will be keeping it and I will be reading it again. Go out and get your own!
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