Rolling Stones legend Keith Richards says Amy Winehouse is the only contemporary singer he rates – but has warned she needs to “sort herself out”.

The guitarist, notorious for his own drug use, says the singer faces having her career – and life – reach a premature conclusion unless she cleans up her act.

He tells the Mail on Sunday of his band’s drugs problems, “It completely took over our lives creatively and we couldn't do this and couldn't do that.

"You had to spend all your time trying to deal with the police. The same thing has happened to Amy Winehouse.

“That girl isn't going to be around long unless she sorts herself out pretty quick. Amy's got to get smart.

“I'm not a preacher. But I've been there and you have to pass it on."

Meanwhile, the 64-year-old who concedes he still "smokes weed all the damn time", has threatened to carry on performing as a octogenarian.

He reasons, “I don't see the problem of performing when you are 80. Chuck Berry can do it."

(by C Taylor)