The Stones guitarist, and frontman of Keith Richards & the X-Pensive Winos, talks about his solo career; the passing of Stones drummer Charlie Watts; writing new music with Mick Jagger; and how he kicked his most persistent addiction.
In a rehearsal room in Manhattan this past week, Keith Richards had a rare reunion with his solo band, The X-Pensive Winos: Waddy Wachtel on guitar, Ivan Neville on keys, and Steve Jordan on drums. « To be able to put us all back together, let alone all be here, is, like, amazing, » Richards told correspondent Anthony Mason. « We made it! » said Jordan. « We’re still here! » Wachtel said. Richards and the Winos reunited to perform at Love Rocks NYC, a benefit concert at New York’s Beacon Theatre last Thursday night. It’s been 30 years since they last toured in support of Richards’ solo album, « Main Offender. » And a lot’s changed. For example, Richards – notorious for his vices – has finally kicked his most persistent addiction: « The cigarettes are gone! » said Mason. « Yes. You know, it’s funny, I don’t think about it much anymore. » Two years ago, he quietly quit smoking after 55 years. « You stopped cold turkey? » asked Mason. « Yeah, I got a few patches for a few weeks, » he replied. « Sometimes, you know, a bell rings and something inside says, ‘Hey, pal, enough.’ And so, yeah, just put the hammer on it. » « Why do you think the bell rang? » « Hey, probably getting on a bit! » Richards laughed. « Luckily, I just don’t miss it, and that makes me feel good. Until I started rehearsing for the tour last August, and then I realized that I had ten times more wind! » Mason asked the Winos, « Have you noticed any difference in his vocals? » « Well, he’s singing more in the original keys! » Jordan laughed.
