(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Keith Richards says writing his autobiography made him realise he is "meaner" than he thought.

The Rolling Stones star released his memoirs, Life, last year. Keith widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time wanted the book to be honest.

He admits putting the chapters together made him realise that he is a great friend, but can be difficult.

"That I'm a much meaner b*****d than I thought," he told GQ when asked what he has learned about himself. "But at the same time, I realised how much friendship had meant to me, and how much friendship had meant to other people."

Keith found fame with The Rolling Stones during the 60s. The 67-year-old rocker is renowned for his partying and admits he struggled to adjust to his success. Keith longed for someone to help guide him through his younger years in the spotlight.

"This is the rock n' roll life, and you had to invent it as you went along," he explained when asked how he coped with success. "There was no textbook to say how you operate this machinery. You didn't know you were always walking on the edge of disasters, and there's nobody to turn to and say, How do you feel?' because no one had been there before." (C) Cover Media