Keith Richards says performing with The Rolling Stones gets him higher than any drugs.

The legendary guitarist can’t fully explain the energy being up on stage with his band produces, but claims it is better than taking mind altering substances, although he admits some of his songs were written in an altered state.

He told GQ magazine: “Well, you’d have to be there, pal. To know what it’s like to be on a Stones stage with an audience. The exchange of energy that goes on. It’s immeasurable. In fact they don’t have meters to do it. It’s better than drugs.

“And the fact that I’ve written a lot of music on drugs doesn’t negate that statement.”

While The Rolling Stones – completed by Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood – have yet to announce any plans to play or tour in celebration of their 50th anniversary next year, Keith is keen to get the rest of the band together.

He added: “Next year is sort of up for grabs. It’s almost an overwhelming power – it’ll be fifty years. So there’s that sort of pressure. If I can pull them together, I’m there.”

The Rolling Stones also today (20.10.11) unveiled a never before heard track, ‘No Spare Parts’, which was originally recorded during sessions for their 1978 album ‘Some Girls’.

The song was recently discovered by producer Don Was and will be released both as a single and included on the deluxe and super-deluxe editions of ‘Some Girls’, which are released on November 21.