Keith Richards celebrates his birthday today (December 18), and it goes without saying that rock and roll needs more characters like him.

Seriously, very few people in rock history are as iconic as Keef. From sheer stage presence, to fashion, to the fact that he’ll just say pretty much anything, he’s just the best. He’s a guy that’s difficult not to love or, at the very least, respect. After all, you have to be a cut above the rest if you’ve managed to have a music career for over 60 years. Not to mention, he shows no sign of stopping. 

At the same time, Richards has shown that he’s also pretty “Salt of the Earth,” even though he’s a legend. For crying out loud, he admitted to being just like all of us during the pandemic. In November 2020, he told GQ that his pandemic style had been “Very baggy soft things.” Also, he says he calls sweatpants “comfies,” which is rather adorable. Sure, back in the ’80s, he alluded to wanting to stab Donald Trump, but calling sweatpants “comfies”? That’s just charming!

With this in mind (and more), here is a brief look at five reasons why we think Keef is basically immortal and will live forever.

Oh, and happy anniversary to Richards and his wife, Patti Hansen! The couple wed on the guitarist’s 40th birthday in 1983. (Fun fact: Hansen noted in a 2011 Harper’s Bazaar interview that when she and Richards first started dating, he “was constantly making me mix tapes.” She noted, “That was his method of communication.” How sweet is that?! Also, wouldn’t you love to know what Keith Richards put on a mix tape?!)