The often surly Keith Richards almost made me forget he was a musician over the past few months. I say “almost” because no one can ever forget Richards’ literal immortality. Yet he’s been so quick to provide the press with grumbly quotes lately, and soundbites are what it’s all about when it comes to publicity. As Richards has promoted his solo album, Crosseyed Heart, he’s taken time out to explain his awesomely gross dying wish, which left us all wondering just how far his daughters fell from the ash-snorting tree.
In addition, Richards distracted from the musical message by trashing Metallica and Black Sabbath while also merrily describing The Beatles’ Sgt. Peppers album as point-blank “rubbish.” These interviews are great fun to behold, but it’s nice to get back to the music, which is exactly what Richards did Friday night at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
This video shows Richards performing at the Jazz Foundation of America’s A Great Night in Harlem benefit concert. He tore up “Gimme Shelter” to honor Merry Clayton, one of the singers on the studio version of the song. In 2014, Clayton landed in the hospital after a serious accident. Richards’ performance surely made Clayton proud, and the audience responded with a standing ovation. The grumpy old man’s still got it.
(Via Rolling Stone)
