Keith Richards at 82: Wisdom on Music and Dire Straits

The Evergreen Wisdom of Keith Richards

At 82 years young, Keith Richards continues to embody the rebellious spirit and musical genius that made The Rolling Stones rock royalty. Recently, the legendary guitarist has been sharing his hard-earned wisdom – both through his life experiences and candid opinions on contemporary music.

A Fan's Admiration: Keith on Dire Straits

Despite his iconic status, Richards remains refreshingly humble and enthusiastic about other artists. His praise for Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler is particularly illuminating. In a 1986 BBC interview, Richards effusively declared: "Very high, very high. I love his sound, love the touch and I love the stuff he's writing too these days. I'm very impressed with it." He even selected Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing" as one of his favorite songs for his "My Top 10" radio show.

During a pre-Live Aid rehearsal in 1985, Richards discussed the band with Ronnie Wood and Bob Dylan: "All I know about Dire Straits is they are working in London and our truck is recording them... I mean, it is good music. How is this Mark Knopfler? I have never met him, lovely guitar player." This genuine admiration highlights Richards' deep respect for musical craftsmanship.

The Rolling Stones and Dire Straits: A Studio Connection

The mutual respect extends beyond personal praise into professional collaboration. In 1983, Dire Straits recorded their acclaimed live album Alchemy: Dire Straits Live using the Rolling Stones mobile studio. Two decades later, The Stones returned the favor by recording part of their 2016 covers album Blue & Lonesome at Mark Knopfler's British Grove Studios in London.

Richards lauded Knopfler's studio for its unique blend of vintage and modern technology: "You can use tons and tons of vintage recording gear... It has the latest digital recording gear, but it also has analogue gear from 1954 onwards. In fact, the microphones go back even further, they go back into the 30s." This studio connection between two generations of guitar legends underscores rock's enduring legacy.

Knopfler's Roots: Stones-Influenced Virtuoso

What makes Richards' praise even more meaningful is knowing Knopfler's own reverence for The Stones. In a 1984 interview, Knopfler credited The Stones and The Kinks as major influences: "I also liked the Rolling Stones, and I absolutely loved the Kinks... I loved songs like 'Where Have All the Good Times Gone' and 'Waterloo Sunset'." This reciprocal admiration creates a beautiful musical lineage.

Dire Straits' enduring impact speaks volumes – with over 120 million records sold and 24 million monthly Spotify listeners, Knopfler's influence remains undeniable. Their 2018 Rock Hall induction (though Knopfler didn't attend) further cements their status.

Keith's Timeless Perspective

As Richards approaches his ninth decade, his insights into music and musicianship remain as sharp as ever. His ability to recognize and celebrate brilliance across generations – from Knopfler's songwriting to Dire Straits' innovation – shows a rare depth of appreciation that transcends egos. Whether through his own music or his thoughtful commentary on others, Keith Richards proves that true rock wisdom only deepens with time.