Keith Richards on Keith Richards: Interviews and Encounters (Musicians in Their Own Words)
Rock music writer Sean Egan (The Rough Guide to the Rolling Stones, The Mammoth Book of the Beatles, etc) dug through countless stacks of periodicals to select the fifteen articles (primarily interviews) that make up this slim but entertaining look at one of rock's most iconic figures. Offering little more than a paragraph introduction to each entry, Egan nevertheless does an admirable job as a curator-the collection spans other five decades and pieces vary in length. Even readers who consider themselves well-versed on Richards will find new material here. In a previously unpublished interview with Ira Robbins from 1988, Richards discusses his legendary drug habit, noting that "If they'd have left me alone, you wouldn't have half these freaks thinking that's the way you play guitar, by taking that crap." Also included is the full, unexpurgated version of Richards's epic Rolling Stone interview from 1971 which "served to confirm that he was now a counter-culture icon." Remarkably honest, Richards comes across as an affable, humble subject-quick to give credit to his band mates for songs like "Paint it Black" as well as the performers who inspired him decades ago.