Charlie Watts Rumored to Be Leaving the Rolling Stones
- Posted on Sep 2nd 2009 11:20AM by John D. Luerssen
- Comments (177)
Has Charlie Watts quit the Rolling Stones? According to a new report by Australian website Undercover the legendary drummer -- who has had a waning interest in the group in recent years -- has left the band after nearly 47 years of service. "Charlie Watts has quit the band," a source within the Stones inner-circle reveals. "He will never record or tour with the band." It's little secret that Keith Richards had to coax Watts into participating in the band's 2005 album 'A Bigger Bang' and its subsequent global tour. But now the aforementioned source insists Watts is gone for good.
"The Stones are looking to Keith's Expensive Winos drummer Charlie Drayton to fill the void in all future callings." Often considered by many the backbone of the Rolling Stones, the 68-year old drummer -- who joined the group in January 1963 -- could be ready to enjoy his retirement.
If it's true, it makes perfect sense. After the success of the band's last tour, which ran from August 2005 to August 2007 and was the highest grossing trek of all time, it's hard to imagine Watts is in short supply of cash.
UPDATE: The Rolling Stones' spokesperson has denied that Watts has left the band.
Reader Comments(1 of 9)
murfat 9-02-2009
Charlie, say it ain't so! How about one more tour?
chuckat 9-02-2009
now if we could just convince the rest of the band to call it quits...........
Rickat 9-02-2009
It's time! Enough is enough.
Richardat 9-02-2009
Tell them Im available ! I'll take the gig, or serv as a back-up.
John in Fort Leeat 9-03-2009
THe world's greatest Rock & Roll Band makes him the World's greatest Rock Drummer.
Neamerat 9-03-2009
Saw them in NYC in Madison Square Garden in 1997.First time I saw them since Altamont in 1969. Put simply, they are the greatest Rock and roll band of all time and there isn't even any close second. I would love to see them "one mo' time.
Neamer
Danat 9-02-2009
Best band ever. Period.
Greatest rock and roll band and they have proved it.
Name one dopey rapper that will be selling out football stadiums when they are 45 years in the game. Fat chance.
Rock on stones, rock on.
Johnat 9-02-2009
Dan,
You said it EXACTLY: BEST BAND EVER!
One of the MANY 62 y/o men who STILL listen to the Stones.
John
Brandonat 9-04-2009
Ha. Dr. Dre is 44 and could easily sell out stadiums. How are they the best band in the world. How have they proven that. Selling out stadiums? Its only logic that after almost 50 years doing what you do, you will attract a fan base. Bands that have been around for 5 years sell out stadiums. How have they proven that they are the best?
norrsitat 9-03-2009
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards aren't even a pimple on Lennon/McCartneys playing,singing.songwriting,relevance on pop culture,etc. Three of 4 of the Beatles,John,George,and Paul were all great musicians,Paul was probably the best guitarist of them all, besides being one of the foremost bass players in the world. In 50 yers, people will say "The Rolling who"?, while all the classic songs the Beatles penned,yes,even George,will live on and on indefintely. And their vocal harmonies? Name 1 friggin' song that comes close to their vocal aggangements. Evidently you're a listener,no a player. That music the Beatles play may sound easy, but trust me, it's anything but. Now get me a twangy Telecaster,and i can do all Keith Richards tunes. The Beatles kept you guesing. Can you say "Sgt. Peppers"? It blew EVERYBODY away,from Hendrix,Beach Boys,Stones,you mame them. And just an album or so before,Rubber Soul,acoudtic mostly music. They dropped Peppers like an atomic bomb on the world. And the White Album too. No comparison unless you count a 60 something ridiculous old man falling off the stage doing the funky chicken. What a hoot!!!!!!!! Mick Jadestone nd the Rolling Boulders. They're a good band. Great,maybe. Compared to the Fab Four, not even close!!!!!
Mike Robinsonat 9-03-2009
Dan
Right on!! The Stones rule Rock & Roll. Have seen them every decade! I remember the first time, diving to San Diego on a Surf trip at 5 in the morning and KGB was playing "I used to Love Her but It's All Over Now" 1964-65 (I can't remember) Who can? at our age!
Mike
HB CA
Dianaat 9-02-2009
Absolutely the best! I say, goodbye, and enjoy an incredibly well deserved retirement!
fredat 9-02-2009
the fact that they have been selling their "music" for so long is not a testament to the quality of their product but to the gullability of the consuming public
Garyat 9-02-2009
Right On! I saw them the Aerie Crown Performance theather in the McCormack Exhibition Center, Chicago, in '65. This place was touted as the world's first 100% fireproof building. The Stones did only one show, with Brian leading. They ROCKED! The very next day, the building burned to the ground!Who will dare to say the Stones aren't the greatest band ever? That's a tough act to beat!!
Jamieat 9-02-2009
Why is it you jerks can never give a compliment without taking a swipe at somebody else? Oh,wait,I answered my own question: because you are jerks!
Lizat 9-02-2009
Please don't leave, Charlie! Your fans need you! Long live the best rock & roll band in the world: the Rolling Stones!! :D
Robat 9-02-2009
sure they still try to rock i am so sick of them they sound like crap to me Jagger s----!
Brad Mainat 9-02-2009
Good for you, Charlie. Its been a great ride but it is time to hang it up. The others need to follow and quit while they are at the top. Their last tour shows that they are on the down-swing (except Mick won't sit down). Anything they do now will only embarass them.
kevinat 9-02-2009
Retirement is someting we all look forward to. For some it comes to soon for those that appreciate his work. We have had a "Mick's Child Support Tour" how about a "Charlies Retirement Tour"
peter aka yoyoat 9-02-2009
after 47 years in the public eye do what you want. your place in rock and roll is assured. enjoy the fruits of your labours while you can.