Keith Richards says writing autobiography was not a ‘last statement’: ‘I wasn’t supposed to make it the first time around’

Veteran rock and roll guitarist Keith Richards says his acclaimed autobiography exists in spite of itself.

The Rolling Stones member shared his thoughts on Life, his 2010 recollection of life in the band and after it, during an interview promoting his third solo album. While sharing his thoughts on Crosseyed Heart, Richards deemed himself lucky to have made it through life the first time around. Speaking with MOJO Magazine, Richards refuted the idea that the biography had been intended as a “last statement” and that this could not be further from the truth. Life recounted days on the road with The Rolling Stones, including arrests, drugs, and his fractured relationship with the band’s frontman, Mick Jagger.

Richards said of the autobiography: “Like a last statement? No, I didn’t. It’s what I do, make records, and I just happened to fall in with Steve and we found an interesting trail to follow. With writing the book, I came out the other end like I’d just lived my whole damned life twice. I wasn’t supposed to make it the first time around!”

Richards has since made it another 16 years since the publication of Life and has reportedly rubbished plans for The Rolling Stones to get back on the road. Recent interviews from the now 82-year-old rocker suggest the Jagger-fronted group may be finished with touring for good. There is some hope from fans that this could mean a residency spot for the group rather than lugging their instruments from venue to venue.

Jagger has aired his hopes of touring with the band again but nothing has been set in stone. It had previously been reported that the group would perform shows in the UK in both 2025 and 2026, but both alleged plans were scrapped. Fans are unconvinced the band will be back on the road ever again as they took to The Rolling Stones subreddit to share their doubts.

One wrote: “It’s kind of obvious that The Rolling Stones will not tour again. You don’t release an album in July and say you might tour next year. Arthritis and ageing don’t improve or reverse. There could be a special show or appearance, but don’t count on that either.”

Another fan observed the sad reality of the band getting back on the road, citing Richards’ hesitation to go back on stage as perhaps the main issue for the group. They wrote: “Two aborted tours over two summers. I basically came to this conclusion when they didn’t do a tour in Europe for Hackney Diamonds in 2025. They had a lot of momentum coming out of the US tour in 2024 and a great album to tour behind and they just didn’t.

“When they ended plans for yet another tour in 2026, it was very clear that 2024 was more likely than not the last time. Oddly, it appears to be Keith. Mick seems ready to go on the road. Ronnie too. And yet finally, we have Keith saying no way. The guy who always loved the stage. I just hope it’s arthritis and age and not a more serious health issue.”

Another fan replied with a hopeful suggestion, adding: “Keith’s family just welcomed a great-grandchild this week. Given the rumoured tour was meant to be happening May through July – it’s very possible prioritising the family time and the new great grandchild was part of the reason Keith said no to a tour this year.”

Others believe it is finally time to come to terms with losing The Rolling Stones as a stage presence. One fan wrote: “The hard part for so many of us is we are finally getting to the point where we must face the realisation that behind the mythos of Keith Richards, there is a man. An amazing man who has given us everything, but a man, nonetheless.”