In a moment that united rock royalty with cinematic edge, supermodel Patti Hansen and Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards made a striking appearance at
In a moment that united rock royalty with cinematic edge, supermodel Patti Hansen and Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards made a striking appearance at the premiere of Gonzo Girl during the 2025 Tribeca Festival, held at the prestigious SVA Theater in Manhattan on June 12. The beloved couple, together for over four decades, were greeted with cheers, flashes, and warm admiration as they arrived hand-in-hand on the red carpet, drawing attention not just for their iconic status, but for their unmistakable aura of cool.
The film Gonzo Girl, a gritty literary adaptation inspired by the semi-autobiographical novel by Cheryl Della Pietra—former assistant to gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson—debuted to great anticipation during the festival. Yet, it was the surprise presence of Richards and Hansen that set social media alight and injected true rock-n-roll glamour into the night.
A Power Couple that Defines the Ages
Patti Hansen, still radiant at 69, donned a sleek black pantsuit adorned with silver embellishments, paired with minimalist heels and a bold red lip that turned heads. Beside her, 81-year-old Keith Richards exuded timeless swagger in a layered ensemble: black jeans, a dark tailored jacket over a loose graphic tee, and his signature headband tucked beneath tousled silver locks. His trademark skull rings sparkled beneath the flashing cameras, reminding everyone that age has done little to dull his edge.
The couple posed for photographers with practiced ease, laughing and exchanging playful banter that made them as endearing as they were iconic. When asked what drew them to Gonzo Girl, Hansen replied, “We’re big fans of Hunter S. Thompson’s legacy—this story feels raw, wild, and real. Just our kind of night.”
The Rock Legend Meets Literary Rebellion
Keith Richards, whose own life often reads like a rock-infused gonzo novel, has long expressed admiration for Hunter S. Thompson. In an interview last year, Richards remarked, “There was a madness to Hunter’s truth. You’d read his words and feel the hit of the world, unfiltered. That’s what rock should be too—brutally honest.”
Gonzo Girl, directed by Patricia Arquette in her directorial debut, stars Camila Morrone in the lead role of Alley Russo, a young writer hired as an assistant to a wild, erratic author loosely based on Thompson. The film delves into identity, obsession, and the blurred line between admiration and disillusionment. Premiering at the Tribeca Festival—a cornerstone of New York’s cultural scene—was fitting for a narrative that confronts the ghosts of creative excess.
Star-Studded Premiere with a Rock Edge
The red carpet also welcomed the film’s cast and crew, including Morrone, Arquette, and actor Willem Dafoe, who portrays the fictionalized Thompson. Yet even among such luminaries, Richards and Hansen held a distinct gravity—epitomizing not just fame, but enduring cultural influence.
Festival attendees whispered excitedly as the couple entered the theater. “Seeing Keith Richards at a movie premiere feels like watching history walk by,” said Laila Greene, a 24-year-old film student from NYU. “They’re timeless.”
Tribeca’s Broader Cultural Canvas
The 2025 Tribeca Festival, co-founded by Robert De Niro, continues to merge the worlds of film, music, and art in unexpected ways. This year’s edition saw increased crossover between Hollywood veterans, musical legends, and younger creators. The presence of Richards and Hansen at Gonzo Girl served as a symbolic bridge between these worlds—underscoring how stories of rebellion, whether written with ink or strummed on guitar strings, resonate across generations.
A Moment Immortalized
Photojournalist Aeon captured what may be one of the defining images of the night: Patti Hansen’s hand resting lightly on Richards’ shoulder, both smiling beneath the marquee lights, framed against the electric buzz of New York City nightlife. The photo has since gone viral, celebrated for its nostalgic warmth and rock-n-roll elegance.
Conclusion: Legends Offstage
As the couple exited the theater later that evening, they stopped once more to wave at fans and sign a few vinyl sleeves and books—a Rolling Stones album here, a worn paperback of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas there. It was a reminder that even amidst the glitz of a modern film festival, true icons never go out of style.
With their appearance at Gonzo Girl‘s premiere, Keith Richards and Patti Hansen once again proved that their legacy isn’t just about the past—it’s a living, breathing testament to creativity, love, and fearless individuality.
