Keith Richards the Bible reader

Keith Richards has started reading the Bible.

The Rolling Stones guitarist - who is famed for his hellraising ways - admits he frequently studies the Christian holy book, but thinks it is boring.

He said: "I read the Bible sometimes but it bores me to death. I just want to know what other people find so bloody fascinating. Why are they all hung up on all that, 'In the beginning' stuff? Ah, well. At least life is stable. It has said the same thing since I was a kid."

Richards, 64, has led a debauched lifestyle since the band shot to fame in the 60s, and his rampant drug use had led to him being arrested on five occasions for drug-related offences. He eventually sought treatment for heroin addiction in the late 70s.

Last year, he revealed he had once snorted his own father's ashes, but later claimed he was joking. Details of Richards' remarkable life are set to be revealed in an autobiography, for which he will reputedly receive $7.3 million.

He said: "They've paid me a f***ing fortune, so of course I'm writing it. We're just trying to make an interesting story out of it, without every chapter ending, 'And then I found out I only had £30 in the bank. And then I did this, and that'. No! I'm trying to come out with a story with a narrative."