The Rolling Stones are set to resume their No Filter tour next month without drummer Charlie Watts following a medical procedure.
Watts’ spokesman 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.”
Charlie added, "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. After all the fans’ suffering caused by COVID I really do not want the many Rolling Stones 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.”
Steve Jordan. who also plays in Keith Richards' solo band, said, "It is an absolute honor and a privilege to be Charlie’s understudy and I am looking forward to rehearsing with Mick, Keith and Ronnie. No-one will be happier than me to give up my seat on the drum-riser as soon as Charlie tells me he is good to go.”
Watts turned 80 back on June 2nd was treated for throat cancer in 2004.
The Rolling Stones' No Filter tour starts up again on September 26th in St. Louis.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]