The Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts will not be joining the band's upcoming U.S. tour while he recovers from an unspecified medical procedure.
In a statement posted to the band's social media, a spokesperson 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."
Watts, who turned 80 in June, and has been a member of the band since 1962, said that "for once my timing has been a little off." The drummer hasn't missed a gig since 1963.
"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," he shared. "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 is also a member of Keith Richards' side-project, the X-Pensive Winos.
Read the full statement below.
In a statement posted to the band's social media, a spokesperson 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."
Watts, who turned 80 in June, and has been a member of the band since 1962, said that "for once my timing has been a little off." The drummer hasn't missed a gig since 1963.
"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," he shared. "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 is also a member of Keith Richards' side-project, the X-Pensive Winos.
Read the full statement below.
After the news broke this morning, Richards, Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood all shared supportive messages for Watts, while subsequently welcoming Jordan in his place.
Jagger said the band are "really looking forward to welcoming Charlie back as soon as he is fully recovered," while Richards said: "This has been a bit of a blow to all of us, to say the least, and we're all wishing for Charlie to have a speedy recovery and to see him as soon as possible."
Wood added: "I'm really looking forward to Charlie getting back on stage with us as soon as he's fully recovered. A huge thank you to the band's old friend Steve Jordan for rockin' on in Charlie's place, and on his drum seat for the Autumn tour."
The "No Filter" tour isn't making any stops in Canada, but hopefully, when the Stones go on their next tour, Watts will be on board.