Keith Richards: The Biography [Paperback]

Victor Bockris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 17, 2003

In 1992, Victor Bockris's celebrated biography was the first to recognize Richards's pivotal role in the Stones' legend. Now that book on rock's most incredible survivor has been expanded to accommodate ten more years of his storied life.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Although this sympathetic portrait doesn't tell fans much they don't already know about Rolling Stones guitarist Richards, it is a diverting addition to the rock-bio genre. Bockris ( The Life and Death of Andy Warhol ) relies heavily on secondhand excerpts from Stones interviews, books and criticism, stringing together quotes and recollections with minimal narration. We hear from Richards's former lover, Anita Pallenberg; critics Chet Flippo, Nik Cohn and Albert Goldman; and Mick Jagger's old flame Marianne Faithfull, who believes that Richards's drug problems stemmed partly from guilt over the 1969 ousting of Stones guitarist Brian Jones, who drowned in his swimming pool two weeks later. Richards himself speaks about Jagger and other band members, tensions within the band, songwriting (his favorite is "Jumpin' Jack Flash") and substance abuse. Bockris doesn't skimp on tales of his subject's aggression and heroin addiction, yet he also chooses anecdotes that emphasize the sincerity and amiability behind the musician's fierce stance. Richards emerges as more a tortured artist than a junkie, more a generous party-lover than a materialistic star in this well-organized, complimentary biography. Photos.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

As the most notorious member of the Rolling Stones, Richards would seem to be the perfect subject for a titillating biography. Bockris, author of The Life and Death of Andy Warhol ( LJ 9/1/89), has plenty of material to work with: Richards was a pioneer in making drugs, androgyny, and the occult de rigeur for the rock lifestyle, surviving legal battles, romantic quagmires, and bitter personnel changes. The hard-driving intensity of his music is the only constant. With such a wealth of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll tales to tell, this is a surprisingly unexciting book. Richards's songwriting partner and lifelong friend Mick Jagger is hardly heard from. Bockris relies so much on other sources that many libraries may already have most of this material. Not an essential purchase. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 4/15/92.
- Dan Bogey, Clearfield Cty. P.L. Federation, Curwensville, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (June 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306812789
• ISBN-13: 978-0306812781
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #818,071 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book about an extraordinary man, October 15, 1998

By 

kathrynn campbell ([e-mail]) (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Keith Richards: The Biography (Paperback)

You don't have to be a Keith Richards fan to thoroughly enjoy this book. Like him or not, he's one of rock & roll's most fascinating characters and, as such, his life story makes for a damn good read. Although Bockris does tend to romanticize some of Richards' darker (i.e. violent and/or self-destructive) moments, he unflinchingly explores all aspects of the legendary musician's personality. Don't expect much in the way of pictures, however. Only one photo is featured per chapter and it's a shame because Richards is as interesting to see as he is to read about.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GET IT GET IT GET IT, September 20, 2005

By 

J. V. Hennburg "The Straight Stuff" (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Keith Richards: The Biography (Paperback)

I doubt Keith could tell his OWN story this well (in fact I doubt it very much). This book really seems to give the whole picture. It is well worth the expense.

Particular highlights: (1) VERY detailed information about Keith's drug use history. It is amazing the man is still alive; (2) VERY detailed info. about Ron Wood, his own problems and his role in the Stones; (3) Very detailed info. about Keith's solo career. I just wonder why the Winos broke up. Anyway, if you are a fan of Keith or the Stones you simply can't pass this book up.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The true bad boy of Rock'n'Roll, October 28, 2001

By 

Martin Lemos (Millbrae) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Keith Richards: The Biography (Hardcover)

Keith is a legend, but it might not always be for the right reasons. Of course he is the main engine that fuels the Rolling Stones machine, but once you read this book, you get to see the other reasons that have made him a well known icon. This man helped write the songs for a generation, and we are able to get an insight into the man in this biography. We cam see into his childhood, that first meeting with the man he would ultimately become famous with, Mick Jagger, to his decade long struggle with drug use and abuse. This guy defines rock and if you like the Stones, you need to read this book and get an insight in the man behind the band