Keith Richards has spoken about his recent operation for the first time.

The Rolling Stones guitarist had major surgery to remove blood and fluid from his brain after falling from a tree while on holiday in Fiji.

"It's great to be back," Richards told The Mirror. "Thanks for all your support."

"They put me out like a light," he explained. "I remember the decision to go ahead and do it. Usually I would be hanging from the ceiling at the idea of brain surgery. But I surprised myself and I had complete confidence in them."

The group were forced to delay the start of their European tour due to Keith's accident - but he now insists that he "can't wait" to play live again.

"I feel great now," he added. "I can't wait to get back on stage again. Everything's cool. I was only out for six weeks, man - that's not bad for a brain job."