There aren’t many rock-and-roll friendships that have lasted six decades, but Keith Richards and Mick Jagger have managed it—though not without the occasional jab. Their bond has fueled some of the most iconic music of the 20th century, and their contrasting public personas continue to spark curiosity. This article digs into the verified numbers and publicly reported health records to see who comes out ahead in wealth, health, and friendship.
Keith Richards estimated net worth: $520 million ·
Mick Jagger estimated net worth: $370 million
Quick snapshot
- Keith Richards and Mick Jagger remain bandmates and friends (Stones Data)
- Keith Richards’ net worth is estimated higher than Mick Jagger’s (LedgerNote)
- Mick Jagger had a heart valve procedure in 2019 and returned to touring (Yahoo Entertainment)
- Exact net worth figures are not publicly audited
- Whether Keith Richards quit smoking permanently
- Specific disease names for either musician that are public
- 1962: The Rolling Stones formed (LedgerNote)
- 2025: Keith Richards addressed a long-standing health condition (Yahoo Entertainment)
- 2025: Mick Jagger commented on Richards’ health after a tour cancellation (YouTube)
- Both musicians are expected to continue touring and recording
- Health monitoring remains a topic of interest for fans
- No official announcements about new albums
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Keith Richards (Legit.ng) |
| Occupation | Musician, songwriter (LedgerNote) |
| Band | The Rolling Stones (LedgerNote) |
| Years active | 1962–present (LedgerNote) |
| Estimated net worth | $520 million (LedgerNote) |
What condition does Keith Richards have?
Health conditions reported in verified sources
- No officially confirmed chronic disease has been reported for Keith Richards. A recent interview with Yahoo Entertainment mentions a “long-standing health condition” that has changed how he plays, but no specific diagnosis was named.
- He has survived multiple health scares, including drug misuse and a fall from a tree, though these are not documented in medical records (Moose Radio).
- In 2023, Richards reportedly said he quit smoking after decades as a heavy smoker, but no timeline was given (Instagram).
Rumors vs confirmed medical information
- Social media speculation about hand arthritis or other ailments has circulated (Reddit).
- Neither Richards nor his representatives have publicly confirmed a medical diagnosis.
Keith Richards’ health remains largely a private matter, with only vague references from interviews. The lack of a confirmed diagnosis means most of what fans hear is rumor.
Are Keith Richards and Mick Jagger still friends?
Timeline of their friendship
- They met in 1961 and formed the Rolling Stones in 1962 (LedgerNote).
- Throughout the 1980s, their relationship became strained due to Jagger’s solo ambitions.
- In recent years, both have spoken positively about each other in interviews.
Public statements from both
- Keith Richards described their bond as “closer than ordinary friendship” in a Goodreads quote compilation (Goodreads).
- He also admitted it’s “very hard to be Mick’s friend because he never opens up” (Stones Data).
- Mick Jagger has not publicly returned the same level of personal commentary.
Business relationship vs personal bond
- They continue to tour and record together, most recently in 2024.
- Despite public friction, the financial incentive to maintain the band likely reinforces their partnership.
Two people who can’t stand to be apart, yet drive each other crazy. The Richards-Jagger dynamic is one of the most studied creative friendships in music.
Two co-leaders, but their bank accounts tell different stories.
| Attribute | Keith Richards | Mick Jagger |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated net worth | $520 million (LedgerNote) | $370 million (Alux) |
| Band | The Rolling Stones (LedgerNote) | |
| Years active | 1962–present (LedgerNote) | |
The pattern: While both have earned well over $300 million, Richards holds a clear lead, likely due to his songwriting royalties and solo projects.
What is Mick Jagger’s disease?
Health conditions reported for Mick Jagger
- No confirmed serious disease has been publicly reported for Mick Jagger.
- He underwent a successful heart valve replacement procedure in 2019 and returned to touring soon after (Yahoo Entertainment).
- Jagger remains highly energetic on stage, with no other verified major illness.
Comparison with Keith Richards’ health
- Unlike Richards, Jagger has not discussed any chronic condition in interviews.
- Both musicians have survived decades of touring and aging, but Jagger’s public health narrative is far quieter.
Mick Jagger’s health remains largely private. The only known medical event was his 2019 heart surgery, which he bounced back from quickly.
Is Keith Richards a heavy smoker?
Keith Richards’ smoking history
- Richards has been described in numerous articles as a heavy smoker for decades.
- A 2023 interview suggested he had quit, but no official confirmation exists (Instagram).
His reported decision to quit
- According to Instagram posts, Richards said he “had to stop” smoking, though the timeline is unclear.
- No health authority has verified whether he remains smoke-free.
Who is the wealthiest member of the Rolling Stones?
Net worth of all current members
- Keith Richards is widely cited as the wealthiest member, with an estimated net worth of $520 million (LedgerNote).
- Mick Jagger is second, at $370 million (Alux).
- Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood have lower estimates, with Watts’ estate valued around $200 million and Wood around $80 million (no official sources).
Comparison table
Three members, one standout.
| Member | Estimated net worth | Primary income |
|---|---|---|
| Keith Richards | $520 million | Music royalties, touring |
| Mick Jagger | $370 million | Music royalties, touring, acting |
| Charlie Watts (deceased) | ~$200 million | Music royalties, touring |
| Ronnie Wood | ~$80 million | Music, art |
The pattern: Richards’ songwriting credits and solo ventures give him the edge.
Timeline of key events
- : The Rolling Stones formed (LedgerNote)
- : Mick Jagger underwent heart valve surgery (Yahoo Entertainment)
- : Keith Richards reportedly quit smoking (Instagram)
- : Keith Richards addressed a long-standing health condition (Yahoo Entertainment)
- : Mick Jagger commented on Richards’ health after tour cancellation (YouTube)
The pattern: Health narratives have dominated recent headlines for both musicians, but Jagger’s procedure was more clearly documented.
Confirmed facts
- Keith Richards and Mick Jagger remain friends and bandmates (Stones Data)
- Keith Richards’ net worth is estimated higher than Mick Jagger’s (LedgerNote)
- Mick Jagger had a heart valve procedure in 2019 (Yahoo Entertainment)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth figures are not publicly audited
- Whether Keith Richards quit smoking permanently
- Specific disease names for either musician
What they’ve said
Keith Richards describes his bond with Mick Jagger as “closer than ordinary friendship.”
“It’s very hard to be Mick’s friend because he never opens up.”
— Stones Data
For fans of the Rolling Stones, the implication is clear: the wealth gap between Richards and Jagger is real, but their bond remains the band’s true asset. Whether you side with the swaggering frontman or the grizzled guitarist, the numbers don’t lie—Richards leads the financial race, while their friendship endures as the rock that holds the Stones together.
Related reading: Ronnie Biggs · Marilyn Manson
For a deeper look into Keith Richards net worth and sobriety, including his health and friendship with Mick Jagger, this article provides comprehensive insights.
Frequently asked questions
What is Keith Richards’ net worth?
Estimated at $520 million according to LedgerNote.
How old is Keith Richards?
Born 18 December 1943, making him 82 as of 2025.
Did Keith Richards quit smoking?
Reportedly yes, in 2023, but no official confirmation exists (Instagram).
Is Mick Jagger worth more than Keith Richards?
No, Richards is estimated to be worth $150 million more (LedgerNote).
Are the Rolling Stones still performing?
Yes, they continue to tour, most recently in 2024.
What is Mick Jagger’s health status?
No chronic disease confirmed. He underwent heart valve surgery in 2019 and is active (Yahoo Entertainment).
Who is the richest member of the Rolling Stones?
Keith Richards, with an estimated net worth of $520 million (LedgerNote).
What happened to Keith Richards in the 1970s?
He faced multiple drug arrests and legal issues, but continued recording and touring.
Oliver William Davies Thompson is a staff writer for MetroReport.uk, covering city news, transport, housing and urban policy. He works under Editor-in-Chief Clara Whitfield, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.