Keef falls out of a coconut tree (OT)

Richards slipped and fell 5m last Thursday as he climbed a palm at a luxury resort on a privately owned Fijian island.

He was flown to the Mercy-Ascot hospital in Auckland with concussion, and is recovering with wife Patti Hansen by his side.

Richards is believed to have had brain scans, but did not need surgery and could be discharged early this week.

He is said to be sitting up in bed and moving round, but hospital staff would not comment yesterday.

The durable 62-year-old is regarded as rock's great survivor.

Despite his hard-partying reputation, Richards was not skylarking when the accident happened.

He and bandmate Ron Wood had been picking coconuts, a popular activity at exclusive Wakaya Club.

The pair were holidaying with their families after two New Zealand concerts as part of the Stones' A Bigger Bang world tour.

Keith Richards died 18 years ago... it's just that nobody has told him yet. I find it more interesting that he's only 62 years old... I had him pegged for 80.

Lee

Do you think that once he is released from the hospital, when he talks, you will be able to understand what he is saying.

BG