Life

Keith Richards, the guitarist, songwriter and singer who co-founded the Rolling Stones, tells his own story in this memoir. He traces his childhood obsession with the records of Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters, the lessons that taught him guitar, and the partnership with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones that became the band. The early success of the group arrives alongside a run of drug arrests that cemented his public image as a rebel. Richards also recounts writing the riffs behind "Jumping Jack Flash" and "Honky Tonk Women".

Personal chapters cover his relationship with Anita Pallenberg, the death of Brian Jones, and years spent as a tax exile in France. He describes the touring life across America, along with the isolation and addiction that came with it. Later he writes about meeting Patti Hansen, his falling out with Jagger and the eventual reconciliation, and his marriage and family life.

The book also looks at his work outside the Stones, including his solo albums and his project with the X-Pensive Winos. It suits readers who want a first-hand account of rock history from one of its central players.