“It is a marriage of a kind” says Keith Richards on band longevity

THE ROLLING STONES opened up to Zane Lowe on Apple Music about the secrets behind the longest-running relationship in rock history. Reflecting on his lifelong partnership with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards observed, “Oh, it is a marriage of a kind. Who’s wifey and who’s husband is another thing. But maybe that’s what keeps it going.” He expanded on their enduring musical chemistry, adding, “When you meet the guy that has the same taste in music and the same feel for it as you do, it’s more than double the pleasure. You can’t put your finger on it… it is a mystery and I think maybe long may it be a mystery.”

The legendary musicians also discussed their latest collaborations with Paul McCartney, who contributes to the new record. “You know, I’ve realized that Paul really misses being in a band,” Richards revealed during The Zane Lowe Show.

“And his joy of just being in that context is great… It’s also great to have somebody from your own era, from way back when. He’s a lovely player and I’d like to do more with him.” Jagger noted McCartney’s versatility on the track “Covered in You,” saying, “He sounds like a funky bass player… he’s obviously got a lot of capacity to change gears.”

The band also touched upon their forward-thinking approach to technology, specifically the utilization of AI in their latest music video for “In The Stars.” “I thought I was pretty good looking considering it’s a new video,” Richards joked. “And then of course I realized there’s AI… it’s an adventure in the making, and we’ll see what happens with it.” Looking ahead to the future and a potential tour, the band remains restless and eager to create. “I think you always think that this could be the last record,” Jagger admitted. However, Wood countered, “We’re still raising the bar… it’s got that new youth and the new kick in it,” while Richards concluded, “Anytime the whistle blows, I’m there, I’m up for it.”