Brain surgery on Keith Richards is confirmed

May 8, 2006, 16:01 GMT

Rolling Stones\' guitarist Keith Richards performs as the band plays their first Australian concert at Sydney Olympic Park in Sydney, Tuesday, 11 April 2006. EPA/TRACEY NEARMY

London/Wellington - Rolling Stone Keith Richards has undergone surgery to relieve pressure on his brain after falling from a coconut tree while on holiday in the South Pacific, it was confirmed Monday.

The operation, carried out in a hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, had been a 'complete success' and the 62-year-old rocker was already up and talking to his family, his spokesman said.

According to a report by the British Press Association, the spokesman also pledged that Richards would join the Stones on the European leg of their Bigger Bang tour.

After a rescheduling of dates, the opening gig in Barcelona would Now go ahead in early June.

Richards underwent the operation at the Ascot Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, where he had been monitored after his fall 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 yesterday 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. He will need a few weeks' recuperation.'

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