This image is THE statement for the last show on the 2019/2021 Rolling Stones “No Filter” tour. When I saw him do it, I knew he was sending a signal let alone sharing his feelings. 

Just like in Austin, Keith Richards was the last to leave the stage in Hollywood. In Austin, at the end of the show, he walked to the drum kit, turned and stared at all of us for about 30 seconds. He was soaking it in. He knew how special and precious it was… and how fleeting it could be. He looked at us, smiled, said thank you and walked off through the curtain and on to Florida. 

In Florida, when the show was over he was the last one to exit the stage again. This time he didn’t turn to look at us and thank us. Instead, he picked up the flags thrown on stage at the end of the gig, turned to walk to the back of the stage to exit through the curtain. Halfway through his walk he raised his arms in triumph. Goddamned - rightfully so. 

He is the icon, the torchbearer and the hash-slinger extraordinaire. He knew what the Stones achieved despite their ages, a pandemic, a sixty year history of blazing trails and global tours playing music for fans, the death of their top mate, and the fragility of tour in the midst of rules, regulations and roadblocks. 

The man lives for the music and playing it live for the fans. He is the heart and soul of this thing. He did his job and kicked ass doing it. After 77+ years it’s the only job he’s ever had! For good or ill, he’s dedicated his life to the job and made millions of people like me happy and inspired. For the 27 years and 28 shows I have been touring with them I’ve never seen him happier and more energized on stage to be playing for us (and him, and his band mates). What a joy to see and experience. 

Damn right he should feel triumphant.

Like he has said, “he’s not getting older, he’s just evolving.” So is rock and roll and he’s leading the charge - still after 60 years. 

Thanks for all the turn-ons, Keith. Let’s do it again in 2022.