Keith Richards Not Friends With Rolling Stones Bandmate Mick Jagger — Here's Why

Keith Richards Not Friends With Rolling Stones Bandmate Mick Jagger — Here's Why
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Over 60 years after The Rolling Stones debuted, Keith Richards made a shocking revelation about his and Mick Jagger's relationship.

In 1962, Jagger and Richards formed the English Rock band in London alongside Brian Jones, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts. The pair is the only original members as of writing, with Ronnie Wood playing with them.

Keith Richards and Mick Jagger Are Not Friends

In his memoir, "Life," the 80-year-old musician opened up about his and Jagger's fractured friendship, saying they are not friends.

"We're the closest of brothers, and that can't be severed. How can you describe a relationship that goes that far back? Best friends are best friends. But brothers fight," he explained.

Richards continued, "I have to say that during the bust in Toronto, in fact during all busts, Mick looked after me with great sweetness, never complaining. He ran things; he did the work and marshaled the forces that saved me. Mick looked after me like a brother."

For what it's worth, Richards was arrested in Canada for heroin possession in 1977. According to the rocker, Jagger looked after him while being on his side at that time.

After completing his sentence, Richards realized he lost control of the group, leading to tension between them. In fact, they recorded "Tattoo You" separately because they barely spoke because of the rift.

Richards and Jagger became childhood friends and classmates, but they became estranged for years. They met again at a train station, and it led them to form the band.

How Rolling Stones Survived the Rift

During a live YouTube press conference with Jimmy Fallon in September, the host asked them about the band's longevity, to which Jagger playfully responded, "Not speaking too often."

Richards, meanwhile, added, "How to say shut up! How to say shut up politely."

On the other hand, Richards previously told The Sun he loves Jagger most of the time.

"I can never praise Charlie enough and I can praise Mick Jagger 99% of the time," Richards continued. "Mick knows what I mean and he'll say the same about me. Things happen between Mick and me because it's just two guys working together. You only hear about the odd bust-up. I love the man 99% of the time."

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Keith Richards, Mick Jagger
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