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Keith Richards' surgical housemate

Feb 19, 2008, 13:35 GMT

Keith Richards has a new addition to his family - the brain surgeon who saved his life. Keith Richards EPA/PETER KOLLANYI

Keith Richards EPA/PETER KOLLANYI The Rolling Stones guitarist developed a close relationship with Andrew Law after the New Zealander performed an operation on the rocker's skull in 2006.Law has now moved in with Richards, his wife Patti Hansen and their family, and the clan split their time between the US and UK.Talking about their lifestyle in England, Law said: "We go out and have fish and chips and a beer."Law - who is on the rocker's payroll - believes he has formed a bond with Richards because it gives him the chance to talk to someone outside the rock 'n' roll lifestyle.The 41-year-old doctor told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "I don't think he's run into too many neurosurgeons and I haven't run into too many rock stars."Richards and bandmate Ronnie Wood were trying to climb a tree while on holiday in Fiji, when he fell out and hit his head.He suffered a blood clot in the brain and was airlifted to a private hospital in New Zealand, where Law was called at 2am.Law recalled: "He was really unwell. I told him, 'I might kill you today' - he was very aware of it. He had to put my life in his hands."Just six weeks later, Richards was well enough to rejoin his band's 'A Bigger Bang Tour' but insurers demanded Law went with him.(C) BANG Media International