Billy Wyman has admitted that he was left “surprised” by the Rolling Stones’ decision to continue as a band following Charlie Watts’ death.
The musician opened up about his feelings on the subject in a recent interview.
Charlie Watts was part of the Rolling Stones line up since January 1963, serving as their drummer, until his death in August 2021. He was 80 years old. More on that here.
Following Watts’ death, Steve Jordan took over as drummer for the Rolling Stones, with the band releasing their new album ‘Hackney Diamonds’ last year.
“surprised”
Speaking in a recent interview, Billy Wyman, the former Rolling Stones bassist, has said that he was surprised that the Rolling Stones carried on following Watts’ death.
“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”, he said.
Wyman who left the band in 1993, added: “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?”.
“just Stones all the time”
Elsewhere, Bill Wyman also feels that the Rolling Stones may have decided to continue on after Watts’ death, as the remaining members have nothing else going for them outside of the band.
He said: “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”.
Back in May, the Rolling Stones said that they miss the “chaos and quirkiness” of Charlie Watts. See more on this here.
