What should the band do now?
Charlie has passed away and the future of the Rolling Stones is now uncertain, as Brian has said once almost with the same words.
Charlie himself suggested Steve Jordan as his replacement or the US tour and until he could take the drummer’s place in the band again. The official announcement read that he is “working hard to get fully fit” and “After all the fans suffering caused by COVID I really do not want the many fans who have been holding tickets for this Tour to be disappointed by another postponement or cancellation.” Here’s the official tweet:
What will happen next? What will be the decision of Mick, Keith and Ronnie? There will be some official statement, soon, but what do you think?
Many fans say “No Charlie, no Stones” and both Keith and Mick have said, that without him, the band is no longer the same. so what should they do??
- Call it quits – no tour anymore!
- Do the US Tour with Steve Jordan and then resign.
- Do the US Tour and tour Europe next year in celebration of their 60th anniversary and the possibly then finished new album.
In my humble opinion, they should do both tours if possible and maybe quit thereafter. Why? I for one think, that nothing stays the same over any period of time. So after Brian, Mick Taylor, Stu, Bill Wyman, Bobby Keys and now Charlie left the band in one way or another, the band did and should play on for these months and next year, or even as long as they can. The Stones with Steve on drums (and Daryl Jones on bass) is just fine with me. They will sound slightly different, that’s for sure, but that is just natural. They played better and less better gigs even with Charlie before. And being the musicians they are, I for one hav no problem, should they continue this and next year. I’m convinced, Charlie would want them to do this.
Again, that’s just IMHO …
August 26 Update I: According to The Mirror it sems like the band wants to continue the tour:
“They will want to honour him and celebrate his amazing musical legacy. They will want to do Charlie proud.”
The same tells RollingStone | the US Sun | the Irish Sun |
What do you think? Please leave a comment below if you like:
Continental, introducera an avarter drummer.
The magic live “Stones Sound” departed with Bill Wyman. As mentioned above it will further be altered without Charlie on his drum kit. They can keep going as long as they want but it’s not the Stones anymore, thank goodness for memories and YouTube!
Hadde jeg vært Jagger/Richards nå hadde jeg avlyst turneen etter Charlies bortgang. Rolling Stones er ingenting uten Charlie. Må også huske at Mick er 78 og Keith er 77. Ronnie er vel 71. Det går en grense for hva du skal prestere i denne alderen. Det beste her er å spille et show til ære for Charlie på Wembley og så komme med det nye albumet. Så kan Mick og Keith og Ronnie fortsette med sitt. Men jeg mener at tiden har løpt fra The Rolling Stones nå. Heldigvis vil musikken alltid leve videre. De vil alltid være det beste rock and roll band i verden noensinne!
Rune Berg
If they wish to continue, more power to them. If people want to go, then by all means have a great time. The band will kick. However, I don’t believe there is any way of knowing how they are going to feel walking on that stage, without Charlie, until it happens. It may take a tremendous toll on them, and they may play through life, as they always have. I never knew the man, but damned if I don’t feel like the loss is personal
I went to the LA (Inglewood) show #1 on October 14, 2021, and it was a fantastic concert. I think the primary reason I went was to hear the new drummer, and to see SoFi Stadium, and they were both great. The show must go on. As long as you have Mick and Keith in the band, they are The Rolling Stones. Steve Jordan’s drumming style is a little more aggressive, but since when is that a bad thing in a rock and roll band. It might be time for The Rolling Stones drummer to stand out a little bit, after almost 60 years.
Nice words – I second that!
For so many years – every stones concert has been a triumph for all the achievment the greatest rock’n’roll band has reached over almost 60 years.
But very few can say that they have changed the music scene over the last 30-40 years. They have just done what they love to do and what they are best at. I don’t see any reasons why they shouldn’t continue playing concerts if the rest of the members feel okay.
They survived so many things – Death of Brian Jones, Mick Taylor leaving, Bill Wyman leaving + a whole bunch of other guys that was/are important for the music that will live on forever. Now sadly Charlie is gone, but The Stones is notorius for the live shows – not so much for there new albums anymore – so I don’t see any reasons why the rest of the band shouldn’t carry on doing what they do best.
And – I for one – always love to hear any Rolling Stones song with a new twist. No disrespect to Charlie and his huge impact on the sound of the band, but Steve Jordan will be a thrill to listen to, and how he might add new aspect to both the great songs and the rest of the band.
Darryl Jones added a new side to the bass play that Bill created, and I don’t see why this couldn’t happend again.
They’re not quitting and why should they? Charlie didn’t say “stop the tour” because he was sick, did he??
Would Duane would have wanted the Allan Bros to throw in the towel. God forbid my kids throw in the towel when I.m outta here…
Life goes on people! Saddle up the palomino and “ giddy the f**k up” !!!
I’ve been a hard core fan since the beginning, and still get choked up about Brian and Bill. Charlie makes 3. We’ll always remember them all, and should FINALLY call Daryl a Stone too…not to belittle Ronnie, but he was a Stone from day one…
Recognize Daryl properly, get past the 60th and call it a day, for the living legends.
They’re torn and frayed and it’s time to go home.
They will not make Daryl a permanent member for two reasons. Reason #1 they will have to pay him a lot of money, plus royalties. Reason #2. They did say the want to retire after the 60th anniversary tour.. Daryl is a great musician, and fits in very well., On the business end it would not make sense to make him permanent. It comes down to dollars & cents. The Rolling Stones are my favorite band. I have been a fan since age 10
And now you are what, 15?
Hi Pierre,
what you wrote is not particularly an argument, right?
If you disagree, why don’t you explain a little bit what you think and why this is so, please.
Cheers,
Johannes
in my 50’s
The Rolling Stones need to go forward with this tour, and still do the anniversary tour. They need to honor Charlie Watts, and we should all fill his presence. This can be achieved. Set up Charlie’s drum set in the spot where it would normally be placed. Set up a video screen above his drum set, with him playing past concerts. Do not show Mick, Keith, or Ronnie on that one screen. Position Steve Jordan’s drum set on the opposite side of Charlies, and this will be Charlie with his understudy. By doing this Charlie will be playing in spirit with the band, and be there with us fans. The engine of the Rolling Stones has permanently ceased,, and it needs a temporary fix to get them to their final gigs. I believe Charlie Watts would want it to go down this way. REST IN PEACE KEEPING THE BEAT. Thank you for the GREAT music and EXTRAORDINARY shows.
Do the US leg , then Europe and finish in London .
Nevertheless , what the boys decide will suit to me .
Its hard, but this is the end .It’s all over now
Herbert
Charlie Watts (1941-2021) and his fabulous Rolling Stones
In 1993 Bill Wyman, important half of the Stones rhythm-section, left the band. As if to encourage Charlie not to follow his bandmate’s footsteps, the audience since then shouted Charlie’s name for minutes during the band introductions. Charlie was already appreciated by the fans, and he knew it. Sometimes he even stepped forward to receive the applause he deserved: ‘Charlie is good tonight, ain’t he?’ The importance of being Charlie was understood by bootleggers as well. See the covers of a well dressed Charlie Watts Live at Leeds (1971), Charlie Watts and his fabulous Rolling Stones (America 1975, listen to Heartbreaker!) and Happy Birthday Charlie (live at Cologne, Europe 1976). And of course there is that official edition (documentary) of the Rolling Stones tour in Ireland 1965: Charlie is my darling!
I don’t think the Stones will continue after the American tour. And if they don’t: perhaps they should delph into their rich archives and bring out a best of live album of Charlie Watts and his fabulous Rolling Stones. Rest in peace Charlie Watts. We won’t forget you.
René Spork, Netherlands, august 25 2021.
Charlie Watts Live at Leeds 1971
Charlie Watts and his Fabulous Rolling Stones 1975
Happy Birthday Charlie 1976
They’re not all dead. Continue to all the wheels fall off.
as stated
I believe they will continue this tour as planned and then continue any future tours as planned or wanted with Steve Jordan.
I think the fact they already had him planned for this tour will lead them to continue with him for shows if he works out well.
Then we pray the 3 remaining Stones health’s hold up.
Spill et show til ære for Charlie. Da er det slutt. Mick, Keith og Ron kan holde på å lage musikk, men da er det ikke lenger Rolling Stones. Rolling Stones døde med Charlie Watts.
Rune Berg
I’ve been here since 1965. A final show at The Royal Albert Hall would do them honor. Finish the album, finish the tour and say goodbye. Its time. Charlie Watts. Wembley, England. Dignified, artistic, creative.
Given the tragic loss of Charlie, I believe it’s time to put honor and class above crowd adulation and money. I’ve seen the Stones 15 times and can’t imagine them without Charlie. Even Keith said “Without Charlie, there is no Stones.” They’ve accomplished everything imaginable, and as sad as it might be, it’s time to bring closure to a miraculous career. I would fully support canceling the upcoming tour dates and calling it quits. Enjoy retirement knowing you were part of the greatest Rock and Roll band in the world.
Finish the US tour followed by a gig at Hyde Park with guest appearances (Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton for example). Bring out that last album dedicated to Charlie and that’s it! No more tours without Charlie en stop before it’s getting awkward. Let’s remember the Stones as they were with Charlie.
That is a decision left to Mick and Keef. I have my opinion but elect to keep it to myself. The band will never be the same, but neither will most things. I have spent a life time listening to and seeing these guys prove over and over again they are without a doubt, “The Greatest Rock & Roll Band” on the planet. Thank you and RIP Mr. Wang Dang Doodle.
Hi Mike,
nice comment, thanks for sharing!
All credits go to the Wembley Wammer…
Maybe it is time to call it quits. Led Zeppelin did just that when John Bonham died. But a tribute to Charlie tour, behind the new album, would be appropriate. We all believe that is what Charlie would want.
They should change the name of the band and keep going.
LOL!
Which name would you suggest?? 😉
Finish the tour as Charlie had ask in honor of Charlie. Release the album if Charlie’s. Work is on it, and say thank you for a life of music.
Good question. My first thought is “The Glimmer Twins’ Band,” since Mick and Keith sometimes call themselves the Glimmer Twins. But most people wouldn’t know that. A friend of mine suggested “The Stones.” Maybe. It’s a different name, but everyone would still know who they are.
I remember when I was in middle school the video for Anybody Seen My Baby played every morning on MTV while I was getting ready. That was a real ear worm for me and I didn’t even know who they were at the time. I just liked the song and the way that one guy in the sunglasses moved with his guitar. Then a few months later I saw by chance an snippet on the Memphis station about a show that was played that night. It caught my attention because they showed a clip of the same song. Fast forward to 2005 and I heard they would be playing in Chicago. Even though at that point I only knew about 3 of their songs I bought tickets (by dumb luck great seats) and made the 6 hour drive with a girlfriend. Before then the only concerts I’d seen were ones at the local university. Needless to say, from the second Keith first ran on stage I was blown out of the stadium and landed somewhere across town. I was a die hard fan from that moment on- I even want their songs played at my funeral. I saw them again on the Bigger Bang tour in St. Louis and Glasgow, Scotland– where I drug my mother along and had seats on the field. By then I knew enough to run around to the railing of the B stage and was right on it when they rolled out there— mere feet from the men themselves as they played songs that’ll still be remembered long after anything playing the top 40 today is long forgotten. And I have tickets to see them again in Nashville with my wife in just a few short weeks.
I realized yesterday while at my office that it was 15 years to the day that I saw them in Glasgow. Punched up a few cell phone videos of the show on YouTube to mark the occasion. My mother is gone and now so is Charlie. Keith’s post on Twitter was beyond perfection for the moment.
And even though I play their CDs in my truck almost always, and even though I have watched my kids and wife dance to the music, and sang Wild Horse to my newborn baby girl as I rocked her… We have probably reached the end of the road. For some reason I am reminded of the chorus to Springsteen’s Atlantic City. I know the shows coming up will be in some way tributes to Charlie, and as a fan all I can hope is that maybe they play Shine A Light. I know the words like all of you do, so if they do bring that one out, for one song, let’s turn the stadium into a church.
Thanks, Chris, for sharing your thoughts and your story.
I guess (or better: hope) we all could tell stories like this, right?
I, too, saw them several times, mostly in the EU. To me, it would be alright for the rest of the Stones to go a little further. Not too far, but a little further…
The end of the road comes to everything and soon enough. So while there’s a little time left, how about playing for and with the fans a little more? 😉
It is difficult to accept, but the end is here. Without Charlie it is not the Rolling Stones anymore. Where will it end if you replace him? In three years time replace of Ronnie? In 5 years Mick? Still Rolling Stones in 2045 but with 5 completely other members?
Cancel the tour. Give one farewell concert in the O2 arena (incl. broadcast worldwide for free!) as tribute to Charlie en 59 years of Rolling Stones!
True, that would be utterly rediculous.
Nice idea about the broadcast. I bet, the management has already focused on this, one way or another.
Sadly this has to be the end of the road. Charlie was the heartbeat and though Steve Jordan is a great drummer, things would just not be the same. A remarkable 58 years.
I get your point, Nick. The feeling of loss is strong. 58 years, with this band and the times they went through – it’s a sheer wonder.
Not being the same might be true, but isn’t this the band has been trough several times before? Or the other way around: how could a band possibly stay ‘the same’ over the years?
What would Charlie suggest them to do?? I wish I knew …
Hi Johannes.
It is just my personal view. Charlie had the ‘groove,’ which can not be quantified and certainly not recreated, so somehow I think without him running the show the music would just lose the unique Stones’ feel. They may carry on and I am sure they could still play some good concerts, but somehow now seems the right time to call an end, sad though it is.
Hi Nick,
again, I get your point. And again I share this to some extent, because it’s true.
Then, their sound changed considerably, too, when Bill left. Nevertheless, they sounded good or even great. Of course, with more of the original ‘ingredients’, the whole thing changes. Steve Jordan will humbly play Charlie’s part and naturally add his personal note. And that’s fine with me. I think, I don’t have the right to expect the band at this moment to stay the same. I even could imagine to be curious, how they will sound during the upcoming tour, bles their hearts…
I believe Charlie would want them to continue if they feel they can. While it will be difficult for all of them to go on without Charlie I believe they would want to pay Tribute to Sir Charlie. In true Stones fashion they will make the right decision for themselves. No matter the decision fans like myself will Never,Never,Never Stop Loving “ The Greatest Rock n Roll Band
IN THE WORLD”
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Nicely said, thanks for sharing, Kim!
Final tour in Europe , finishing in UK , would seem an appropriate way to bow out.
Its a tough call ive seen the stones so many times through the years…small venues….stadium…and arena shows since 1970..most of the shows were great a a couple not so good…..think they should play the usa dates and the 1 final tour really in memory of charlie…then call it quits…..in reality now keith and mick are the 2 originals left…..ij ronnie has been with them for years….
No Charlie, no good. I have good seats for the Tampa show but I think they should shut it down. Everyone, including me will be chanting “Charlie ” Charlie “. How will band hold it together.
Yes, I liked those chants, too, and missed them during the following tours.
Maybe they chant again this time?
Even though the mere thought of this wonderful journey ending hurts my heart terribly.
I feel that without Charlie it has reached its final station.
The lights may be dimmed for the last time but the memories and the joyful gifts they have given remain.
By all means go ahead with the US tour and perhaps say goodbye to Europe next year.
Then rest, and be proud of your legacy.
It is some mighty legacy.
Show must go on…
sorry,but this is no show, its live.let’s remember 59 years. I have been with them from the beginning. Now I want remember all that time. But with Charlie.
Herbert