In a recent interview with Classic Rock, former bassist Bill Wyman shared his thoughts on The Rolling Stones' decision to continue performing without drummer Charlie Watts after his death in August 2021.
Watts had been with the band since 1963, and his passing at 80 followed complications from surgery.
Wyman, who left the band in 1993, said he was surprised by the group's choice to carry on without Watts, saying the drummer was irreplaceable. At the time of Watts’ death, Wyman had posted a tribute on Instagram, calling Charlie "like a brother" and sending condolences.
Despite Wyman’s sentiments, the Stones, consisting of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, pressed forward with Steve Jordan taking over the drumming duties. Jordan also was featured on their latest album, Hackney Diamonds.
In the interview mentioned above, Wyman suggests that the other surviving members may not have much going on outside of the band sharing:
When Charlie left, I thought they would close. I really did. They could replace the bass, but I didn’t think they could replace Charlie, and his charisma, and what a great guy he was.
But they went on, which surprised me. I wouldn’t say it disappointed me, but it surprised me. I think it would’ve been a good time for them to (end). But I don’t think they’ve got anything else to do – otherwise they’d do it, wouldn’t they?
I’ve got six different things I’m doing all the time, and I’m so happy doing them, but I don’t think they… Well, Ronnie (Wood)’s got art as a second thing. And Mick (Jagger)’s tried to do movies and things but hasn’t really succeeded; and he’s done solo stuff which really didn’t work as well as it should’ve done either. And so they just… It’s just the Stones all the time.
The Rolling Stones have also recently announced a special edition re-release of their latest album, Hackney Diamonds.
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