When you think of Keith Richards, the iconic Rolling Stones guitarist, what comes to mind? Perhaps his legendary riffs, his enduring rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, or his unmistakable swagger. But what if I told you that during a recent conversation, Richards didn’t just talk about music or his storied career? Instead, he opened up about an unexpected fascination—fonts.
Yes, you read that right. The man who helped shape the sound of rock and roll is also deeply intrigued by typography. It’s a passion that might seem surprising, but to those who know Richards well, it’s just another layer to his complex and creative mind.
The Conversation That Surprised Everyone
Richards recently sat down for an interview in which he was asked about his life outside of music. While many anticipated stories of wild nights on the road or reflections on his decades-long career, Richards veered into a topic that left the interviewer—and no doubt many fans—intrigued: fonts.
“Fonts have always fascinated me,” Richards admitted with a chuckle. “There’s something about the way they can change the feeling of a word, how they can make something look sharp, elegant, or even dangerous. It’s like music in a way—different notes for different moods.”
A Creative Mind Beyond Music
Richards’ interest in fonts isn’t as outlandish as it might seem. For decades, he has been involved in the artistic direction of the Rolling Stones, including their album covers and promotional materials. His keen eye for detail and design is well-documented, though it’s often overshadowed by his musical achievements.
“I’ve always been a visual person,” Richards explained. “When we were working on album covers, I wasn’t just thinking about the music inside—I was thinking about how it would look on the shelves, how it would catch someone’s eye. And fonts, well, they play a huge part in that.”
Richards went on to describe how certain fonts evoke specific emotions. “Take something like Helvetica,” he said. “It’s clean, modern, and has a certain coldness to it. Then you’ve got something like Futura—it’s got a bit more personality, a bit more edge. It’s like choosing a guitar tone; you’ve got to pick the right one for the job.”
The Influence of Typography in Music
Richards also touched on the broader influence of typography in the music industry. “Back in the day, everything was hand-drawn, hand-lettered,” he recalled. “There was a real art to it. Nowadays, it’s all digital, which is fine, but I think we’ve lost some of that raw, hand-crafted feel. Fonts can make or break a design—they’re like the bass line in a song; you might not always notice it, but it’s holding everything together.”
He continued, “I remember when we were working on the ‘Sticky Fingers’ album. That was a wild time, but I was so involved in the visual side of it. The font we chose had to match the attitude of the music. It’s all about creating a vibe.”
A Personal Collection
Richards even revealed that he has a personal collection of vintage fonts. “I’ve got a few old typewriters with different fonts,” he said with a grin. “Sometimes I’ll sit down and just type out lyrics or poems, just to see how they look in different styles. It’s amazing how the same words can feel so different just by changing the font.”
His collection, he noted, is more than just a hobby—it’s a reflection of his enduring love for art and design. “I’ve always been a collector,” he said. “Whether it’s guitars, records, or fonts, it’s all about finding beauty in the details.”
The Man Behind the Music
This unexpected revelation offers a glimpse into the mind of Keith Richards—a man who, despite his rock ‘n’ roll image, is deeply thoughtful and creatively diverse. His passion for fonts might be surprising, but it’s just another testament to his enduring curiosity and love for all things artistic.
So, the next time you’re browsing through album covers or reading concert posters, take a moment to appreciate the fonts. You never know—Keith Richards might have had a hand in choosing them.
