The Time Keith Richards Gave Away His Favorite Guitar — And Never Spoke Of It Again

April 1, 2025

The sun was just beginning to set over the iconic city of London, casting a warm glow over the streets. Inside a small, dimly lit café, Keith Richards sat at a table, nursing a cup of coffee. His worn fingers absentmindedly strummed the table, as though seeking the strings of his beloved guitar that he had played for years. It wasn’t just any guitar; it was the one he had named “Micawber,” a vintage 1950s Gibson Les Paul that had been by his side through countless tours, recording sessions, and life adventures. Every note it produced felt like a part of him, a part of his soul.

On that fateful day, though, something changed. A young musician named Ben walked into the café, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. He carried an old guitar case that looked as if it had seen better days, the kind of instrument that had stories etched into its surface. As he strummed a few chords, the sound brought life to the quiet café, enchanting all who listened. Keith was captivated. He remembered being that young man, filled with dreams and aspirations, struggling to find his voice in the world of music. Recalling his own journey, he felt something stir within him.

In a moment that surprised even himself, Keith pushed back his chair, walked over to Ben, and without hesitation, offered him Micawber. “You need this more than I do,” he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. The young musician’s eyes widened in disbelief. This was not just a guitar; it was a symbol of Keith’s entire career, from the early days of The Rolling Stones to the countless stages he had rocked around the world. Yet in that instant, Keith realized that passing on his guitar was not the end, but rather a new beginning for both of them.

After that day, Keith never spoke of Micawber again. It was as if a part of him had been sealed away with the guitar, but in a way, he felt lighter, liberated from the burden of fame and the weight of the past. He continued to write and perform, pouring his passion into new songs and fresh experiences. His music evolved, and so did he. The loss of that beloved instrument sparked creativity he didn’t know he had, reminding him that music was not confined to one object but was a living, breathing force that flowed through him.

As the years passed, Ben flourished as a musician, always telling the story of the legendary Keith Richards and the day he received the gift of a lifetime. Micawber became a part of his journey, and he often played it at gigs, sharing the magic it held. Keith may have given away his favorite guitar, but he gained something priceless: the understanding that music is a gift meant to be shared. In giving, he had helped inspire another artist, ensuring that the spirit of rock and roll would continue to resonate for generations to come.

This act of kindness transformed not just Ben’s life, but Keith’s as well. It reminded him that true passion transcends possessions, and that the heart of music lies in its ability to connect people. Despite the laughter, the fame, and the chaos that surrounded his life, Keith learned that the essence of art is not in what you own, but in what you give to others. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, letting go is the most powerful thing an artist can do.