Contrary to reports last week that Keith Richards, 62, would not require brain surgery after falling from a Fiji coconut tree two weeks ago, after the rapscallion Stones guitarist complained of headaches on Sunday, a hemorrhage was detected and doctors at The Ascot Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand thought it "prudent to move ahead with a small operation to remove the pressure" in his noggin on Monday.
The "small operation," a craniotomy, involves drilling or cutting into the skull to remove pressure on the brain. Keith's representative Fran Curtis termed the operation "100% successful," adding, "There was no brain damage. He continues to improve as expected."
As a result, the Stones' "A Bigger Bang European tour" will begin some time in June rather than on May 27 in Barcelona as previously scheduled.
There is NO truth to rumors that Richards' brain tried to escape his skull during surgery, nor that bloodletting specialist Theodoric of York, Medieval Barber, was flown in for emergency consultations.
Mick Jagger's ex-wife Jerry Hall told AFP that Keith is "doing very well," adding that she is in email contact with Richards' wife Patti Hansen, who is with him in New Zealand.
Article comments
1 - Dawn
You must be so proud of yourself coming up with that title.
You are the rapscallion!
2 - Eric Olsen
thanks, I did pat myself on the back more than once
3 - Victor Lana
Hilarious stuff, Eric! One question though: I don't think I've ever seen or heard an explanation as to why Keith was in that tree. Were bottles of Jack Daniels growing from the branches?
4 - Dawn
Good one Victor, good one!
Is there another human being alive who looks as craggy as old Keith. Jeebus man, get some work done, I've seen topographical maps with less hills and valleys.
5 - Eric Olsen
Guffaw Vic! I believe he was showing off for the wife - still a frisky relationship, it appears.
And I agree Dawn, he could certainly afford a little touch-up work
6 - A.L. Harper
What I want to know is will what will the difference be if he has brain damage? Would anyone notice? Will they actually be able to tell?
I agree with the face thing but that's what happens when you live the life he has. You can not take that many drugs and look good later.
7 - Eric Olsen
hey, while he was having surgery on his head they could have done some lifting and tucking
8 - Victor Lana
They could have tried doing the first brain transplant if someone else happened to be around. Perhaps he went in looking like craggy old Keith and came out looking like Nick Lachey. Keith's wife will be happy, and Jessica Simpson will just think Nick got too much sun in Fiji.
9 - Eric Olsen
was Nick in Fiji at the same time? That sounds like a story