Richards rolls in $7.3M for Stones memoirs

Rolling Stone Keith Richards has nabbed $7.3 million US to write his memoirs after a furious bidding war among publishing companies.

Little, Brown and Company emerged victorious, with plans to publish the book in 2010.

"It will be his life's story," Little, Brown publisher Michael Pietsch said late Tuesday.

"For nearly 50 years, he has been at the very centre of the vortex of stardom and of entertainment as a cultural force. He's a thread running through the whole thing."

Richards, legendary for his rock and roll lifestyle and longtime musical partnership with Stones singer Mick Jagger, is co-writing the book with James Fox, author of White Mischief. Fox is reportedly a close friend of the musician.

The 63-year-old rocker has been candid about his life on and off the road, revealing his many romantic conquests, heroin addiction and battles with Jagger. Much has already been said in According to the Rolling Stones, an authorized oral history published in 2003.

However, Pietsch promises the yet-untitled memoir will offer something different.

"All those interviews have been scattered over decades," Pietsch says. "To have the story of his own life in one book, there's no experience like that. And there will be stories he has never uttered before."

Former bassist Bill Wyman has already published his own tell-all, Stone Alone in 1990,while guitarist Ron Wood's book is due out this fall.Jagger has previously attempted an autobiography but gave up.

Pietsch says he's already seen snatches of Richard's book and calls the details "delicious."

"The range and type of stories was exactly what you would hope to hear," Pietsch says. "The memories and the emotions, people wonder if he remembers anything, but I wish my memory was that good."

Richards, born an only childin 1943 in Dartford, England, founded the Rolling Stones in 1962 with childhood pal Jagger, at the same time forming what would become one of the greatest songwriting duos of the era.

The Stones are currently on tour in Europe.