Keith Richards Remembers ‘Totally Singular, Unique’ Marianne Faithfull
Legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has paid tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator Marianne Faithfull, calling her “totally singular” and “unique” in a heartfelt remembrance shared with NME.
Faithfull, a celebrated singer-songwriter and actress, has been a key figure in rock history since the 1960s. Known for her distinctive voice and deeply personal lyrics, she rose to fame with hits like As Tears Go By—a song penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Over the years, she carved out a remarkable career that blended folk, rock, and blues influences, while also overcoming significant personal struggles.
Richards, who first met Faithfull during the early years of The Rolling Stones’ ascent, reflected on their decades-long friendship and her lasting impact on music. “Marianne was never just another singer. She had a voice and presence that made her totally singular. She had this incredible ability to interpret songs in a way that made them her own,” Richards told NME.
Beyond her musical talents, Faithfull was also known for her cultural influence, acting as a muse to many of the era’s biggest artists and contributing to the evolution of rock and counterculture. Despite facing challenges, including battles with addiction and health issues, she remained a resilient and influential figure in the industry.
Richards highlighted her tenacity and artistic spirit, stating, “Marianne has always had this incredible strength. She’s been through so much, yet she’s always come back stronger. She’s one of those people who truly lived through rock ‘n’ roll history and helped shape it.”
Faithfull’s legacy remains deeply interwoven with that of The Rolling Stones, and her contributions to music continue to inspire new generations of artists. Her later albums, including Broken English and Negative Capability, have been widely praised for their raw honesty and artistic depth.
As Richards summed it up, “She’s irreplaceable. There’s only one Marianne Faithfull.”