Happy 80th Keith Richards!
Keith 1981, vintage photograph by Michael Halsband
Govinda Gallery first exhibited Michael Halsband’s photographs in 1982 not long after this brilliant portrait of Keith was taken. That exhibition at Govinda, “Michael Halsband, Portrait Photography,” opened on April 23rd, 1982.
Michael introduced me to Keith on his birthday in 1981 backstage after a Stones gig in Hampton Roads Virginia. Michael was the tour photographer. When I met Keith I told him it would be my birthday in an hour as my birthday is December 19th. Keith gave me that great smile of his and said “Yeah Chris, you me and Bobby Keys!”. Bobby, the great sax player for the Stones and friend of Keith was nearby and has the same birthday as Keith. Keith is a generous spirit and took the sugar guitar on the top of his birthday cake and gave it to me! God bless Keith.