Rocker Richards ‘up and chatting’ after skull op

ROLLING Stone Keith Richards underwent surgery yesterday to relieve pressure on his brain following his fall from a palm tree.

The operation was a “complete success” and the 62-year-old rocker is already up and talking to his family, according to his spokesman.

And Richards will join the Stones on the European leg of their Bigger Bang tour — although the dates have been put back.

The opening gig in Barcelona was scheduled for late May but will now go ahead in June.

Re-scheduled dates will be announced shortly.

Richards underwent the operation at the Ascot Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand.

The ageing rocker suffered a brain haemorrhage following the accident in Fiji two weeks ago.

The operation involved drilling a hole in the skull to drain blood from the brain.

His spokesman said: “Keith was under observation in Auckland following a fall in Fiji and was feeling well since being examined by doctors last week.

“However, after complaining of headaches doctors thought it prudent to move ahead with a small operation to remove the pressure.

“The operation was a complete success with Keith already up and chatting with his family today. He will need a few weeks’ recuperation.”

Richards’ wife Patti Hansen was at his side in hospital.