Spinner

Keith Richards Reveals Source of Spat With Sir Mick Jagger

Jeff Overs, Getty Images

As he prepares to publish his long-awaited autobiography, 'Life,' Keith Richards has revealed the precise nature of the 1980s spat with Sir Mick Jagger that very nearly brought an end to the Rolling Stones.

Speaking on BBC 1's 'The Andrew Marr Show', the guitarist dubbed the period of turmoil and internecine squabbling as "World War III". He said: "In that period I had nothing to do with the running of the Stones. He assumed control, he assumed that he was the leader ... When I said, 'Give me some of the load, I'll carry my load now,' it surprised me that instead of a sigh of relief, he didn't want to relinquish one of his strings. It was the assumption that he was bigger than the Stones which started first to annoy me and then it enraged me."

The veteran guitarist was keen to point out the conciliatory role played by drummer Charlie Watts at a time when the Jagger-Richards relationship hit an all-time low.

Richards continued: "I rely on Charlie Watts' [pragmatism] and calm. If Mick and I have a problem with each other, we ask, 'Where's Charlie?'"

With the benefit of hindsight, Richards is of the opinion that any band 25 years into their career (as the Rolling Stones were at this mark) is likely to hit a rough patch. "There's bound to be a point when friction comes into it. Nobody has the perfect marriage and no one should expect it."

All the The Rolling Stones info you want to know

Mick Jagger, 'SNL': Foo Fighters and…

Spinner

Kevin Mazur, WireImage With Mick Jagger, "Saturday Night Live" got two, if…

Mick Jagger, 'SNL': Stones Singer to…

Spinner

Kevin Mazur, WireImage NEW YORK - Mick Jagger will test his comic chops later…

Grimes' Genitalia Rings, Black Keys…

Spinner

Helmut Newton Best Coast covers Fleetwood Mac. What more do you need to…

See all The Rolling Stones »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

11 Comments

Filter by:
shawn6270

Moot point! Nobody but nobody will ever come close to the STONES in talent,longevity,drawing power or legendary status! Keep On Rockin' Boys!

December 30 2010 at 4:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Cookie Dartmouth

The press is focusing on one tiny aspect of the book. There's so much more in it - it's a fantastic trek through rock and roll, with plenty of great inspiration for blues players, a sense of humor and wonderful details.

Don't just read the press releases about the book. If you've ever wondered what makes a great band great (and how the Stones continued so well without Brian), read this book.

December 08 2010 at 11:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Koali

It bothers me that Keith Richards at his age and worldly experience has no idea where he will spend eternity. He said he didn't know what would happen but maybe he was supposed to go be with his friend lucifer and asked is that right? Will someone please take his arm and thrust him a Bible or a New Testament and give him a good witness? That's just ridiculous that he has no idea where his soul will end up! Help a man someone!

November 05 2010 at 9:42 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jetfixer

Mick and Kieth,bickering like two old ladies at their 50th anniversary retirement party.Get over it already.Not as if your one of the greatest R&R bands that ever lived.Nothing better to do but spend your millions and quibble over who runs the band.Kudos to Charlie for holding it all together.At this point in history your legendary.Put it all aside and bring on the 50th reunion tour for your devoted fans.Rock on baby

October 26 2010 at 9:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
So

who gives a shit

October 26 2010 at 8:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
juansword88


Quite long enough for Rolling Stones being on the stage. There should be no stage show as Rolling Stones
stars at their old ages. No separation but to retire
honorably. We all will lovingly remember them.

October 26 2010 at 11:04 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gilhool

Charlie bit Mick's finger!!!

October 26 2010 at 9:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Wish Belkin

Always been amazed by bands like the Stones. Rock steady musicians fronted by a guy who can't sing for beans.
Just an aside, as much as Mick like to downplay his importance to the band, listen to them when Brian Jones was with them. Then listen to them after. Not even close to being the same band.

October 26 2010 at 8:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Wish Belkin's comment
thishereguitar

I disagree with all my friends. I do NOT think your comment is the stupidest ever to be recorded about the Rolling Stones. In the top ten, though.

January 15 2011 at 12:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
zuoleduojiu

With the benefit of hindsight, Richards is of the opinion that any band 25 years into their career (as the Rolling Stones were at this mark) is likely to hit a rough patch. "There's bound to be a point when friction comes into it. Nobody has the perfect marriage and no one should expect it."My boyfriend thinks the same with me. He is eight years older than me, lol. We met online at agegapsing les. c om a nice and free place for younger women and older men, or older women and younger men, to interact with each other. Maybe you wanna check out or tell your friends.

October 26 2010 at 6:15 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to zuoleduojiu's comment
Bill

Maybe you wanna tell your friends, zuoleduojiu, about eating this one.

October 26 2010 at 7:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply