Charlie Watts just turned 80 in June. But the famed Rolling Stones drummer has had a medical speed bump and won’t be going on tour with the band this fall. We’re wishing him a speedy recovery. He’s human, after all. All our classic rock stars are working far later into their lives than almost any professional musicians ever did, and they must take care of themselves first.
Here’s the official release:
A spokesman for Charlie Watts has confirmed that the Rolling Stones drummer is unlikely to be available for the resumption of The Rolling Stones USA No Filter Tour this fall.
The spokesman said: “Charlie has had a procedure which was completely successful, but I gather his doctors this week concluded that he now needs proper rest and recuperation. With rehearsals starting in a couple of weeks it’s very disappointing to say the least, but it’s also fair to say no one saw this coming.”
Charlie said: “For once my timing has been a little off. I am working hard to get fully fit but I have today accepted on the advice of the experts that this will take a while. After all the fans’ suffering caused by Covid I really do not want the many RS fans who have been holding tickets for this Tour to be disappointed by another postponement or cancellation. I have therefore asked my great friend Steve Jordan to stand in for me.”
Steve Jordan said: “It is an absolute honour and a privilege to be Charlie’s understudy and I am looking forward to rehearsing with Mick, Keith and Ronnie. No-one will be happier than me to give up my seat on the drum-riser as soon as Charlie tells me he is good to go.”
