Keith 'ready to tour again'

Rolling Stone Keith Richards is on the mend and preparing to tour again despite his recent brain surgery, according to the wife of bandmate Ronnie Wood

Richards underwent the operation after falling out of a palm tree.

The 62-year-old was discharged from a New Zealand hospital last week and is being monitored by doctors as an outpatient.

Jo Wood, wife of Richards' bandmate Ronnie, said the star was recovering well.

"Yes, he had an accident but Keith's as strong as an ox, really he is. He'll bounce back. Keith always does," she told the Evening Standard.

"He's fine and the tour will continue - it just might have to restart a bit behind schedule, that's all."

Richards had the accident while on holiday in Fiji during a break in the Stones world tour.

A spokesman said his operation a "complete success" and he left hospital thanking the "beautiful ladies" who had nursed him back to health.

The guitarist is recuperating in New Zealand with wife Patti Hansen.

An announcement about the rescheduled tour dates is expected soon.