Keith Richards: Arthritis changed my guitar-playing

Keith Richards: Arthritis changed my guitar-playing
Keith Richards: Arthritis changed my guitar-playing

Keith Richards’ obsession with guitars is no secret to fans of the Rolling Stones, and it seems that even as he approaches the age of 80, his fascination with the instrument is still as strong as ever. Despite owning over 1,000 guitars, he only plays a select few on stage. His belief that “the more you play it, the less you know it” shows his never-ending desire to learn from the instrument. The Rolling Stones have recently released their new album “Hackney Diamonds,” which showcases Richards’ passion through hard-rocking riffs, country blues, and gospel stomps.

Although Richards’ hands are now affected by arthritis, he insists that it hasn’t changed his playing, nor has it limited his skills in any way. Instead, he views it as an opportunity to find new ways to play. Richards also mentions how age is a more prominent factor in his playing ability’s change, but he views it as an exciting challenge to face. With all the challenges he’s faced, Richards believes that “you never finish school,” which speaks to his drive to continue learning despite his age and experience.

The new album, released 18 years after their last one, was the result of Mick Jagger’s encouragement to go straight to the studio after their 60th-anniversary tour. Working with producer Andrew Watt, the Rolling Stones pushed themselves to create something that pleased them. They wrote a significant amount of tracks over time, but getting down to work helped the band narrow down their options. They are brought back to their early days under Andrew Loog Oldham, who made them focus their efforts on songwriting, resulting in their ability to write many notable classics.

The Rolling Stones are a band that would never have reached the legendary status they hold today without their songwriting partnership, which started in the early 1960s. Keith Richards’ love for guitars has been a substantial part of this journey. With multiple challenges stacked against him now, he still continues to play music and learn from his instruments. Richards’ passion for his craft is as unwavering as ever, and there’s no doubt that he’ll continue surprising his fans in the future

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