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.
