News

Rolling Stones Deny Rumors That Charlie Watts is Quitting

8:46 a.m. · May 24, 2010 · by Nick Neyland

The Rolling Stones have claimed the No. 1 spot on the U.K. album chart this week for their reissue of Exile on Main St., but that momentous event is in danger of being eclipsed by rumors circulating about Charlie Watts. Reports in Australia have claimed that the drummer has quit the band, which was swiftly denied in a statement.

"Contrary to a fabricated and ill informed report that appeared yesterday on a small music website in Australia, we would like to make it clear that drummer Charlie Watts has not left The Rolling Stones," said a spokesperson for the group. "Charlie is currently being interviewed by the media promoting their latest project - the release of the album Exile on Main Street and the forthcoming film Stones In Exile, released on DVD next month.’’

Yes, the spokesperson managed to deny Watts was leaving and promoted two Stones products at the same time—PR people take note, this is how you end up representing a band as big as the Rolling Stones. The original report in the Herald Sun claimed "Charlie Watts has vowed to quit world touring" and would be replaced by "U.S. drummer Steve Jordan" for forthcoming touring duties.

[via NME]