Keith Richards Talks Grandfather Being Inspiration Behind New Children's Book

Many fans were very shocked to learn that legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards was going to become an author of a children's books, but what they didn't realize was the significance of the story being told.

The singer/songwriter's grandpa "sussed me out for a guitar player" at a very young age. "I was a Roy Rogers freak. There was a man who could ride a horse, shoot straight and play a guitar. To me that was the epitome of a hero. Nothing to shoot? Just get the guitar out. And that's how Gus got hold of my imagination," he continued.

Although the book is just for youngsters, Richards does want it to reflect the impact his grandparent had on his life. "The only juice I'm trying to get out of this is to put grandparents more in touch with grandkids, and vice versa. Look - I'm a shining example of what could happen!" he concluded.

'Gus and Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar' is available from Tuesday (Sept 9th).