Keith Richards – Age, Net Worth, Wife, Rolling Stones & More

Keith Richards, born December 18, 1943, is 82 years old as of 2026 and remains the lead guitarist and co‑principal songwriter of the Rolling Stones, the band he co‑founded with Mick Jagger in 1962. His estimated net worth stands at approximately $350 million, built from decades of touring, record sales exceeding 200 million worldwide, and songwriting royalties. He has been married to model and actress Patti Hansen since 1983, and the couple has two daughters.

Richards is also a published author. His 2010 memoir Life chronicles his rise in rock music, battles with heroin addiction, high‑profile drug busts, and his eventual reconciliation with Jagger. He later co‑wrote the children’s book Gus & Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar (2014). Beyond music, he portrayed Captain Teague in three Pirates of the Caribbean films, earning a unique place in popular culture.

As of 2025, Richards continues to perform with the Rolling Stones, who released the album Hackney Diamonds in October 2023 – their first collection of original material since 2005 – and completed a subsequent tour. No new studio album or solo project has been confirmed for 2025–2026, but he remains active through guest performances, guitar collecting (owning roughly 1,000 vintage instruments), and occasional acting or production work.

Keith Richards’ Role in The Rolling Stones and His Autobiography

Key Insights

• Original member and co‑principal songwriter of the Rolling Stones since 1962.
• Survived decades of rock‑and‑roll excess and multiple drug controversies.
• Published the critically acclaimed memoir Life in 2010, which became a bestseller.
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones in 1989.
• Ranked 15th on Rolling Stone’s 2023 list of the 100 greatest guitarists.
• His songwriting partnership with Mick Jagger is one of the most successful in music history.

Snapshot Facts

Keith Richards’ Personal Life: Age, Wife, and Early Years

How Old Is Keith Richards?

Keith Richards was born on December 18, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England. As of 2026, he is 82 years old. He first met Mick Jagger at primary school in Dartford, but the two reconnected as teenagers, bonding over blues records. That friendship eventually led to the formation of the Rolling Stones in 1962.

Who Is Keith Richards’ Wife?

Richards has been married to American model and actress Patti Hansen since 1983. The couple has two daughters together. Hansen appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s and has remained a steady presence in Richards’ life despite the turbulence of his earlier years.

What Was Keith Richards Like When He Was Young?

In his youth, Richards was a withdrawn only child with a deep passion for music, especially the guitar. He was expelled from art school and soon turned his full attention to rock and roll. His early years with the Rolling Stones saw him develop a raw, rhythmic guitar style that became a signature of the band’s sound. He also accumulated a series of drug‑related arrests during the 1960s and 1970s, often making headlines for his rebellious lifestyle.

Keith Richards’ Current Activities and Net Worth in 2025

What Is Keith Richards’ Net Worth?

Estimates of Keith Richards’ net worth vary widely, ranging from roughly $340 million to $500 million, because his wealth is tied to decades of touring, record sales, and songwriting royalties. No official financial disclosure exists, so most figures are derived from public knowledge of the Rolling Stones’ commercial success. A commonly cited estimate is approximately $350 million.

What Is Keith Richards Doing Today?

Richards remains musically active. The Rolling Stones’ 2023 album Hackney Diamonds was supported by a worldwide tour that continued into 2024 and early 2025. No new album from the band or a solo record has been announced for 2025–2026, but Richards has been known for spontaneous guest appearances and occasional production roles. He also devotes time to his collection of about 1,000 vintage guitars.

Did Keith Richards Appear in Pirates of the Caribbean?

Yes. Keith Richards played Captain Teague, the father of Captain Jack Sparrow, in three Pirates of the Caribbean films: At World’s End (2007), On Stranger Tides (2011), and Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017). The role was a natural fit, as Johnny Depp has said he based part of Jack Sparrow’s mannerisms on Richards. The cameo gave Richards exposure to a mainstream film audience and remains one of his most recognizable acting credits.

Keith Richards: A Timeline of Key Life Events

1. December 18, 1943 – Born in Dartford, Kent, England.
2. 1962 – Co‑founds the Rolling Stones with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones.
3. 1977 – Arrested in Toronto for heroin possession; later receives a suspended sentence and agrees to perform a benefit concert for the blind.
4. 1983 – Marries model Patti Hansen.
5. 1989 – Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Rolling Stones.
6. 2010 – Publishes the best‑selling autobiography Life.
7. 2007 – Makes his Pirates of the Caribbean debut as Captain Teague.
8. 2023 – The Rolling Stones release Hackney Diamonds, their first album of original material in 18 years.
9. 2025 – Continues performing and remains active in music and guitar collecting.

What Information About Keith Richards Is Certain and What Remains Unclear?

Keith Richards’ Cultural Impact and Legacy

Keith Richards helped shape the sound of rock guitar for more than six decades. His open‑G tuning and raw, rhythm‑driven playing defined hits like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and “Brown Sugar.” As a co‑writer with Mick Jagger, he contributed to the Rolling Stones’ status as one of the best‑selling music acts of all time.

His influence extends beyond music. Richards became a symbol of rock‑and‑roll longevity and rebellion, often photographed with a cigarette and a guitar. He has been the subject of numerous biographies and documentaries, and a new biography by Bob Spitz, The Rolling Stones: The Biography, details the Jagger‑Richards partnership and the band’s 60‑year legacy.

Despite controversies – including drug arrests and well‑publicized feuds with Jagger – Richards has maintained his place as a foundational figure in modern music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones in 1989 and continues to be cited as an inspiration by countless guitarists.

Source Quotes and Statements About Keith Richards

“I’ve never had a problem with drugs. I’ve had problems with the police.”

Keith Richards, from his memoir Life

“The Rolling Stones are like a family. We fight, but we always come back.”

Keith Richards, various interviews

Final Overview of Keith Richards’ Career and Life

At 82, Keith Richards remains one of rock music’s most enduring figures. As a founding member of the Rolling Stones, he helped create a catalog of songs that continue to sell and inspire. His memoir Life offers an unflinching look at his adventures and misadventures, while his cameo in Pirates of the Caribbean introduced his persona to new generations. Although exact details about his wealth and future projects remain uncertain, his status as a legendary guitarist and songwriter is beyond question. For more on legendary rock guitarists and their stories, read the James Hetfield – Biography, Net Worth, Wife and 2025 Update and the Rick Parfitt – Cause of Death, Family and Status Quo Legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keith Richards