The British icon’s ninth solo album is due this summer

Bill Wyman will release his ninth solo album, Drive My Car, on August 9th. A masterful blend of his unique Anglo-Americana rhythm and blues, the album is Wyman’s first since 2015 and will be available digitally, on CD and gatefold vinyl. Both CD and digital formats will feature two additional bonus tracks. To coincide with the announcement Wyman has unveiled a video to title track.

As a founding member and rhythm architect of The Rolling Stones, Wyman became a household name, revered by fans and peers alike. With a career spanning over six decades, Wyman steps back into the spotlight with a fresh collection of songs showcasing his passion and talent. Five tracks, including the album’s title track, are self-penned, a testament to Bill’s enduring songwriting talent.

“It’s not something I do every day, but sometimes I just see a guitar in the corner of the room, pick it up to play around, and then something clicks into place,” he explains.

Recorded at Wyman’s home studio, Drive My Car features a tight-knit group of long-time collaborators, including guitarist Terry Taylor and drummer Paul Beavis. “A bass player and a drummer are a team, you’re the rhythm section, the foundation of the whole thing,” Bill emphasizes.

The album opens with a unique rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Thunder On The Mountain,” combining elements from Dylan’s original and Wanda Jackson’s lively cover. “I’ve known Bob since the mid-‘60s,” says Bill. “He used to take me and Brian Jones round the Greenwich Village clubs whenever we were in New York. We were very good friends for a while, he was a really nice guy.”

Another highlight is a gritty cover of Taj Mahal’s “Light Rain.” Bill recounts their long-standing friendship, which began in 1968 when Taj was invited to join The Stones’ Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus TV special.

Wyman’s lifelong love of country music is evident with a poignant tribute to John Prine, featuring a cover of “Ain’t Hurtin’ Nobody.”

In addition to honoring old friends, Bill introduces listeners to new talents like Dutch guitarist Hans Theesink, whose work informed two tracks on the album.

Bill Wyman had a busy 2023, both looking back and looking forward. The oldest of the Rolling Stones, Bill mined his memories for vivid anecdotes of his wartime childhood and published them in an engrossing book, Billy In The Wars. At the same time, he was planning for the future, recording the songs for Drive My Car.

1. Thunder On The Mountain (Bob Dylan)
2. Drive My Car (Bill Wyman)
3. Bad News (Bill Wyman)
4. Storm Warning (Hans Theessink)
5. Light Rain (Taj Mahal)
6. Ain’t Hurtin’ Nobody (John E. Prine)
7. Rough Cut Diamond (Bill Wyman/Terry Taylor)
8. Wings (Hans Theessink)
9. Two Tone Car (Chuck E. Weiss)
10. Fools Gold (Lloyd Jones)
11. Sweet Baby (Bill Wyman/Frank Stokes) [Bonus Track]
12. Tell You A Secret (Bill Wyman/Terry Taylor) [Bonus Track]