Rolling Stones's Keith Richards turns 80 on a beach as bandmates lead tributes

18 December 2023 , 18:14

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Rolling Stones's Keith Richards turns 80 on a beach as bandmates lead tributes

The Rolling Stones star Keith Richards has celebrated turning 80 whilst enjoying a beach holiday as tributes from pals and his fellow bandmates pour in.

Sir Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood posted photos of them performing and laughing with Richards to social media on Monday (18 December) to commemorate the occasion. Sir Mick shared a photo on Instagram of him and Richards with their arms wrapped around each other as they beamed at the camera. Alongside the post, he wrote: "Happy birthday @‌officialkeef! Love Mick”.

Wood also posted a selection of images of them playing guitar on stage from throughout the years on the road, writing: "Happy 80th birthday @‌officialkeef!"

Fans have commented on the friendship between the pair, as one wrote: "Not many people get to have the friendship these two have had... God only knows what they've seen and experienced". Another added: "The rock and roll outlaws looking good they don't make them like that anymore."

Rolling Stones's Keith Richards celebrates 80th birthday on beach as bandmates lead tributes (@sallywood1/Instagram)

The estate of the band’s late drummer Charlie Watts also wished Richards a "very happy 80th birthday" in an Instagram post which featured photos of the pair smiling while together. Alongside the post, it wrote: "Charlie said of his lifelong friend, 'Keith is the most interesting, the most different of us all… He’s a man of vision, and one of the few people who hasn’t really changed over the years.

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"Wherever he goes, whatever he does, he’s always Keith. He’ll be in his room and all the stuff that makes him Keith will be there. The music’s going, the wine’s there, his guitar’s there, and he’ll be sitting in the middle of it all like some wonderful sultan. It’s fantastic. It’s not a new thing, it’s the way he’s always been.'"

Sir Mick Jagger wished bandmate Keith Richards an 80th birthday (Getty Images)

Sir Mick, Woods and Richards released their new album Hackney Diamonds in October, their first collection of original songs for 18 years and also the first album since the death of Watts in August 2021. The 12-track offering features appearances from Watts as well as a host of global superstars including original member Bill Wyman, Lady Gaga and Sir Elton John. Following its release, it shot up the charts and secured the British band their 14th number one title.

Today also holds double significance for Richards as he also celebrates his 40th wedding anniversary to his wife Patti Hansen. Richards marked his 40th wedding anniversary by sharing a photo of him and his wife cutting the cake on their big day. He wrote: "For Patricia, Happy 40th Anniversary! I love you. Keith".

The Rolling Stones have released new music this year (zz/Raoul Gatchalian/STAR MAX/IPx)

Wishes from fans poured in on the Instagram post for the pair, as one wrote: "A TWO in ONE DAY!! Happy Birthday,Keefe and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to 40 years of marriage!" Another shared: "Happy Anniversary, Keith and Patti." A third wrote: "Happy Anniversary Patty and Keith. Most gorgeous of couples". A fourth commented: "You're adorable couple!!! Happy birthday keef!!! Keep Rolling!!!"

Niamh Spence