Keith Richards has sent his band mate in the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, a heartfelt message for the singer’s 80th birthday celebrations. The pair have been a part of The Rolling Stones for six decades and are still active within the band, having just completed their 60th anniversary tour last year.
Happy Birthday, Mick.
Long may we keep saying this to each other, Happy 80th!
Love, Keith @MickJagger pic.twitter.com/g86Zy8wpZC— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) July 26, 2023
Jagger is only slightly older than Richards, who will also be celebrating his 80th birthday in December and the legendary guitarist sent his frontman a moving message while picking out a short tune on the piano. Richards said, “long may we keep saying this to each other, happy birthday Mick have another good-in and give me a call and let me know what it’s like.”
Often considered one of the greatest songwriting pairs in rock n roll history, the two musicians met as teenagers while waiting for a train in Dartford where they were both from. On that journey, rock legend laid its foundations as soon after, the duo began the Rolling Stones and embarked on one of the most storied careers in the genre’s rich history.
Thanks so much for all your lovely comments and birthday wishes!! : Mark Seliger pic.twitter.com/XoNN05lYNH — Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) July 26, 2023
Following closely behind British contemporaries The Beatles, The Rolling Stones have been noted for Richard’s unique playing style- having the ability to pluck out some of the best known riffs ever to be recorded and Jagger’s energetic live performances, punctuated by his distinctive vocal style. The partnership made the band one of the most successful musical acts of all time, overseeing the group’s continued success in each of the decades they have been a part of.
Often credited as The Glimmer Twins on Rolling Stones records, Jagger and Richards first penned the song “As Tears Go By” for artist Marianne Faithful, before writing “The Last Time” in 1965-earning the band their first top ten hit. The pair would go on to write such hit songs as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”,” Jumpin Jack Flash,” and “Brown Sugar.”
Although Richards and Jagger have remained close friends for 73 years, their relationship has often been described as love/hate and the pair have weathered some stormy periods, some of which heralded successfully productive periods immediately after. With Richard’s autobiography Life, released in 2010- which some have claimed hurled barbed criticisms at Jagger-many pondered if the Rolling Stones would continue.
The two have proven in subsequent years that a break in the relationship could not be further from reality as the duo have continued to take The Rolling Stones forward into their 6th decade. And, if Richard’s birthday message is anything to go by, the pair’s friendship is just as strong as ever.
