Keith Richards' sobriety kick

Apr 10, 2007, 11:50 GMT

Keith Richards (L) and Charlie Watts (R) painted by artist and bandmember Ron Wood of The Rolling Stones are placed by an employee of the White Space Gallery in Amsterdam, Monday 24 July 2006. Wood seized the opportunity of the coming concert of The Stones in Holland to expose his works of art. EPA/Marcel Antonisse

Keith Richards does not like bandmate Ronnie Wood's newfound sobriety.

Wood, 59, claims that his recent attempts at clean living annoyed fellow Rolling Stone Richards so much that he kicked him on stage.

He is quoted by Britain's Daily Express newspaper as saying: "He doesn't like it that I'm sober now. I'm glad we're off tour. Being on stage in my new sober way is very difficult for me. Keith even kicked me on stage. It was bleeding in the muscle. I didn't realise until I couldn't walk."

Wood says Richards called it a "friendly kick" before apologising.

Richards, who is still rebellious at the age of 63, recently joked that he snorted his own fathers cremated ashes, leading Disney to ban him from doing any publicity for his role in the third 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie.

Wood has now been sober for several months after a stint in rehab last year, even though he admits he finds touring "boring" without booze. But despite the complaints from Richards fellow band members Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts have encouraged Wood's sobriety attempts.

The Rolling Stones begin a 30 date European tour in June. As well as touring with the legendary rockers Wood is also a critically acclaimed artist whose paintings command as much as £63,000.

(C) BANG Media International