Drummer may not return to band
Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts is dropping out of the band’s upcoming No Filter 2021 Tour as he recovers from an unspecified medical procedure. The band shared the news in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 4th) confirming Steve Jordan will take over drumming duties.
“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,” the band says a press statement.
“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,” Watts adds. “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.”
Jordan has a long history with the Stones’ camp. He appeared on their 1986 album Dirty Work when Watts stepped aside. He’s also drummed on several of guitarist Keith Richards’ solo efforts as well as his own X-Pensive Winos band. He’s been a member of the John Mayer Trio, Saturday Night Live band and Late Night with David Letterman.
Watts, who’s 80 years old, is an original member of the band alongside Richards, vocalist Mick Jagger and bassist Bill Wyman.
Their No Filter Tour was originally set for last year, but postponed due to the pandemic. The 13 date trek kicks off September 26th at the Dome in St. Louis with stops in Pittsburgh, Nashville, Minneapolis and more before wrapping November 20th at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. Newly added stops include an appearance at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
