Keith Richards celebrates his birthday on December 18, and it goes without saying he isn’t just one of the most iconic guitarists of all time, but he’s really one of the most iconic figures in rock history.
In honor of his birthday, scroll through our gallery below from various moments and events throughout his incredible five decades-plus career.
Backstage Laughter
ShareGuitarist Keith Richards laughing with Mick Jagger, Brian Jones and Bill Wyman backstage during an early Rolling Stones tour, December 1963. (Photo by Chris Ware/Keystone Features/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareKeith Richards enjoys a cigarette. Once a Post Office worker, he is now guitarist with the Rolling Stones, the first London group to draw the sharks away from the longheld Merseyside monopoly. (Photo by Chris Ware/Getty Images)
Keith Richards
ShareEnglish guitarist Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, circa 1965. (Photo by Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Keith On The Beach With Brian
ShareRolling Stones guitarists Stones Brian Jones (1942 - 1969) and Keith Richards on the beach at Double Bay, Sydney, Australia, January 1965. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Stones Wedding
ShareEnglish musician Keith Richards with his partner Anita Pallenberg and children at the wedding of Mick Jagger and Nicaraguan-born Bianca De Macias in Saint-Tropez, France, 12th May 1971. (Photo by Reg Lancaster/Daily Express/Getty Images)
Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones Tour of Europe ’76
ShareEnglish musician, singer, and songwriter Keith Richards of rock band The Rolling Stones performs live on stage at Earls Court, London, UK, 27th May 1976. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Jagger And Richards
ShareRolling Stones singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards opening fan mail during the early days of the band, circa 1963. (Photo by Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
Share10th May 1967: Rolling Stones songwriters, guitarist Keith Richards, left, and singer Mick Jagger share a joke in the back of a car as they leave Chichester Magistrates Court where they appeared on drug summonses. (Photo by Ted West/Central Press/Getty Images)
One Plus One
ShareJagger And Richards
ShareMick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones performing at Earl's Court, London, 25th May 1976. (Photo by John Minihan/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareKeith Richards of the Rolling Stones arrives at the premiere of the Beatles film, 'Yellow Submarine' with his girlfriend Anita Pallenberg. (Photo by Michael Webb/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareKeith Richards of the Rolling Stones outside King's College Hospital in Dulwich, London, with his wife Anita Pallenberg and their baby son Marlon. (Photo by John Minihan/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareGuitarist Keith Richards and his wife Patti Hansen attend the premiere of "Gosford Park" December 3, 2001 at the Ziefeld Theatre in New York City. (Photo by George De Sota/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareMIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones perform onstage at Hard Rock Stadium on August 30, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareMIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Charlie Watts and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones perform onstage at Hard Rock Stadium on August 30, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
SharePASADENA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 22: Mick Jagger (L) and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones perform onstage at Rose Bowl on August 22, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
SharePASADENA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 22: Ronnie Wood (L) and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones perform onstage at Rose Bowl on August 22, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
SharePASADENA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 22: Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones performs onstage at Rose Bowl on August 22, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
SharePASADENA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 22: (L-R) Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones perform onstage at Rose Bowl on August 22, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareNEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 24: Keith Richards attends the 2018 Stephan Weiss Apple Awards at Stephan Weiss Studio on October 24, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareNEW YORK, NY - MARCH 15: Keith Richards performs onstage at the Second Annual LOVE ROCKS NYC! A Benefit Concert for God's Love We Deliver at Beacon Theatre on March 15, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for God's Love We Deliver)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareNEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 15: (L-R) Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards, director Martin Scorsese, Mick Jagger, and Charlie Watts attend The Rolling Stones celebrate the North American debut of Exhibitionism at Industria in the West Village on November 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rolling Stones)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareINDIO, CA - OCTOBER 14: Musician Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones of The Rolling Stones performs during Desert Trip at the Empire Polo Field on October 14, 2016 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareTORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 17: Musician Keith Richards (R) and Patti Hansen attend the "Keith Richards: Under The Influence" premiere during the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 17, 2015 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
SharePITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 20: Musician Kieth Richards of The Rolling Stones performs at Heinz Field on June 20, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images,)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareNASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 17: Brad Paisley joins Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones during The Rolling Stones North American "ZIP CODE" Tour - Nashville at LP Field on June 17, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images,)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareSYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 12: Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones performs live at Allphones Arena on November 12, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareNEW YORK, NY - JULY 31: (L-R) Models Patti Hansen, Alexandra Richards, Ella Richards, Theodora Richards, and musician Keith Richards attend The Film Society of Lincoln Center and AMC Celebration of "Breaking Bad" Final Episodes at The Film Society of Lincoln Center, Walter Reade Theatre on July 31, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareLONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 06: Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones perform live on stage during day two of British Summer Time Hyde Park presented by Barclaycard at Hyde Park on July 6, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Simone Joyner/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareANAHEIM, CA - MAY 15: In this handout image provided by The Rolling Stones, musicians Keith Richards (L) of The Rolling Stones and John Mayer speak backstage during a concert where they performed May 15, 2013 at The Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by The Rolling Stones via Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareNEW YORK, NY - APRIL 13: Eric Clapton (L) and Keith Richards perform on stage during the 2013 Crossroads Guitar Festival at Madison Square Garden on April 13, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareNEW YORK, NY - APRIL 13: Eric Clapton (L) and Keith Richards perform on stage during the 2013 Crossroads Guitar Festival at Madison Square Garden on April 13, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareNEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 18: Musician Keith Richards (L) and wife Patti Hansen attend SiriusXM's "One Night Only" at Studio 54 on October 18, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Keith Richards
ShareKeith Richards, guitarist with The Rolling Stones, playing the guitar on stage during a live concert performance by the band at Madison Square Gardens in New York City, New York, USA, 13 November 1981. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Spike TV’s 5th Annual 2011 “Guys Choice” Awards – Show
ShareCULVER CITY, CA - JUNE 04: Musician Keith Richards accepts the Brass Balls award onstage during Spike TV's 5th annual 2011 "Guys Choice" Awards at Sony Pictures Studios on June 4, 2011 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Premiere Of Walt Disney Pictures’ “Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” – Red Carpet
ShareANAHEIM, CA - MAY 07: Musician Keith Richards (L) and his wife Patti Hansen arrive at the premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" at Disneyland on May 7, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Premiere Of Walt Disney Pictures’ “Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” – Red Carpet
ShareANAHEIM, CA - MAY 07: (L-R) Actors Geoffrey Rush, Penelope Cruz, Johnny Depp, Ian McShane, Keith Richards, and Astrid Berges-Frisbey arrive at premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" held at Disneyland on May 7, 2011 in Anaheim, California. Proceeds from the world premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' "Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Premiere Of Walt Disney Pictures’ “Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” – Red Carpet
ShareANAHEIM, CA - MAY 07: Actor Johnny Depp (L) and actor/musician Keith Richards arrive at premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" held at Disneyland on May 7, 2011 in Anaheim, California. Proceeds from the world premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' "Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Spike TV’s Scream 2009 – Arrivals
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 17: Patti Hansen (L) and musician Keith Richards arrive at Spike TV's Scream 2009 held at the Greek Theatre on October 17, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chris Polk/Getty Images)
Spike TV’s Scream 2009 – Arrivals
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 17: Keith Richards, right, and wife Patti Hansen arrive at Spike TV's Scream 2009 held at the Greek Theatre on October 17, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
2007 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony – Show
ShareNEW YORK - MARCH 12: Musician Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones inducts "The Ronettes" into the 22nd annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel March 12, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
The Rolling Stones Play Twickenham Stadium
ShareLONDON - AUGUST 20: The Rolling Stones members Keith Richards and Ron Wood(L) perform on stage at Twickenham Stadium August 20, 2006 in London, England. (Photo by MJ Kim/Getty Images)
The Rolling Stones Perform In Sydney
ShareSYDNEY, NSW - APRIL 11: British Rock & Roll Legend Guitarist Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones performs at Telstra Stadium as part of the Bigger Bang World Tour on April 11, 2006 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Paul McConnell/Getty Images)
The Rolling Stones Announce Tour With A Live Performance
ShareNEW YORK - MAY 10: Keith Richards (R) and Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones perform onstage during a press conference to announce a world tour at the Julliard Music School May 10, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareNEW YORK - MARCH 15: ZZ Top and Keith Richards perform onstage at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 19th Annual Induction Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel March 15, 2004 in New York City. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareNEW YORK - MARCH 15: Keith Richards and daughter Alexandra Richards arrive at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 19th Annual Induction Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel March 15, 2004 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareKeith Richards, the lead guitarist of The Rolling Stones in concert at Syracuse, New York state. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareKeith Richards and Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones onstage performing at The Concert for New York City to benefit the victims of the World Trade Center disaster. October 20, 2001 (Photo: Scott Gries/ImageDirect)
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareKeith Richards and family at the post screening party at Lotus after the New York premiere of "Lisa Picard is Famous" in New York City on August 15, 2001. photo by Gabe Palacio/ImageDirect
Keith Richards: Classic Images of the Iconic Guitarist
ShareRolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards attends a press conference as the band announces their 2002-2003 world tour May 7, 2002 in New York City's Van Cortlandt Park. (Photo by Keith Bedford/Getty Images)