Richards' op success

Music

16:30 09 May 2006

Keith Richards had emergency surgery last night (08.05.06) to drain a blood clot from his brain.

The Rolling Stones guitarist - who suffered a head injury after falling from a coconut tree two weeks ago - had a hole drilled in his scull to relieve pressure in his head.

Richards, 62, was said to have looked weak and gaunt as he arrived at the Ascot Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, for surgery yesterday afternoon.

His family were at his bedside as the veteran rocker underwent the operation - which medics last night described as a "compete success."

However, doctors have warned the rock legend it will take weeks to recover from his injury, which has forced the Stones to cancel their European tour - due to start later this month.

The accident is believed to have occurred as Richards, and bandmate Ronnie Wood, climbed palm trees to collect coconuts while visiting Fiji.

The star was taken to a local hospital but later sent for observation in New Zealand - where medics uncovered a small haemorrhage in his brain.

(C) BANG Media International