The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards Discusses Effect Aging Has Had on His Guitar Playing

As The Rolling Stones prepare to release their new studio album, Hackney Diamonds, the band’s legendary guitarist Keith Richards is admitting that age is taking a bit of a toll on his playing.

In a new BBC interview, the 79-year-old musician, who has been dealing with arthritis in his hands for quite a few years, was asked if the condition has affected his ability to play guitar.

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“Funnily enough, I’ve no doubt it has, but I don’t have any pain, it’s a sort of benign version,” Richards explained. “I think if I’ve slowed down a little bit it’s probably due more to age.”

That being said, Richards noted that he’s also been able learn from his limitations.

“I found that interesting, when I’m like, ‘I can’t quite do that any more,’ the guitar will show me there’s another way of doing it,” he maintained. “Some finger will go one space different and a whole new door opens.”

Hackney Diamonds, which will be released on October 20, is The Rolling Stones’ first album of new material in 18 years.

Richards said that, after a series of somewhat unproductive sessions over the last few years, the project finally came together late last year because he and frontman Mick Jagger both got on the same page at the same time about getting the record done.

“He hit me in the right spot,” said Richards. “I’ve always wanted to record the band as soon after we get off of the road, because the band is lubricated.” He said it also helped that Jagger set a deadline for the band to get the basic tracks finished by the end of 2023.

So far, two tracks from the album have been released, lead single “Angry” and the gospel/soul-influenced “Sweet Sounds of Summer,” the latter of which features Jagger trading vocals with none other than Lady Gaga.

“Lady Gaga is a piece of work,” said Richards. “I love working with her because she has a great attitude and a great voice, and I always wanted to see her play off against Mick.”

The track also features Stevie Wonder on keyboards, while other guest artists appearing on the album include Paul McCartney, Elton John and former Stones bassist Bill Wyman.

Meanwhile, Richards revealed that The Stones were planning to tour behind the album in 2024, “if everybody is still standing.”

He added, “We’re all in good fettle. We’re not looking at each other and saying, ‘time’s up.’”