Just picked this up through an email link sent to me for the local newspaper in NZ.

Richards' brain damage fears

10.05.06
By Derek Cheng and David Eames


Concern continues to mount over the condition of guitar legend Keith Richards, who is recovering from major surgery - his second operation since his accident in Fiji.

The Herald understands the 62-year-old had surgery early on Monday morning which required holes to be drilled into his skull for a craniotomy, a serious operation used to remove blood clots that involves removing a portion of the skull.

It is understood doctors are concerned about brain damage.

A source told the newspaper that Richards underwent his first operation to stop bleeding in his skull 12 days ago, soon after arriving in New Zealand, and medical staff feared for his life at the time.

The source yesterday confirmed the first operation was performed on the night of Friday, April 28.

He was discharged a few days later but was sent to a place with private medical care to monitor him.

He was readmitted after passing out and complaining of major headaches.

Publicists for Keith Richards have confirmed the Rolling Stones guitarist has undergone at least one brain drain.

London-based LD Communications confirmed the hard-living musician had surgery on Monday to relieve pressure in his head caused by a fall from a palm tree during a holiday in Fiji.

The statement said Richards was yesterday "up and talking with his family" soon after the operation, which was described as "a complete success".

Two of Richards' daughters were seen visiting the hospital yesterday and his wife, Patti Hansen, is also understood to be with him.

The statement also confirmed fears first raised in the Herald yesterday about the Stones' ability to continue their "A Bigger Bang" tour.

The publicists said Richards was expected to take "several weeks" to recover, and the European leg of the tour would be delayed to next month.

A dearth of official information about Richards' accident and treatment, and conflicting reports about his condition, have worried Stones fans around the world, some of whom have contacted the Herald for news.

"It sounds to me as if the Stones' media machine is doing their best to low-key this story," said one concerned fan from the United States.

"My desire is that Keith is impervious to all pain and injury but my fear is that that brain surgery is not good news."

Ascot duty manager Geoff Sparks yesterday refused any comment on the condition of Richards and would not even say whether he was in the private hospital at Ellerslie.

The Herald was instead directed to the offices of LD Communications.

Fran Curtis, Richards' New York spokeswoman, also refused to comment on the operation, but admitted to having "no idea" how long he was likely to remain at Ascot.

The official line at the time Richards was brought to New Zealand was that he was suffering little more than mild concussion.

Richards must have been readmitted to the Ascot, as he was originally discharged last week, a move Mr Sparks confirmed then.

This was quoted on UK News Site for ITN.

Rolling Stone Keith Richards "continues to improve as expected" following surgery after his fall from a palm tree.

The 62-year-old rocker had an operation yesterday to relieve pressure on his brain, but a spokesman said he has already been "up and about chatting, and phoning New York".

A statement stated: "Contrary to stories in newspapers in New Zealand and the UK, Keith Richards did not undergo a second operation.

"The first and only operation was done on Monday, May 8, and was 100% successful. There was no brain damage. He continues to improve as expected.

"The Rolling Stones `A Bigger Bang European Tour' will begin in June with details to follow shortly."

Dates for the continental leg of the tour have been put back, with the late May opening gig in Barcelona now set for June.

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

He 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 previously said yesterday: "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 yesterday (Sunday) 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."

Nick B

I spoke with Alex Richards yesterday(9th), she said he's going to be fine. Keith was looking for a spliff, and got one. The tour is off until at least July. Patty want's him to take the rest of the year, but that's unlikley to happen. He's already written three new songs, and misses his dreads. All the best stones fans..Bop

Right.